House to consider limits on NSA surveillance program in debate on defense bill

WASHINGTON – The House will consider legislation that would cut off funds for the National Security Agency's surveillance programs and imposes limits on the operations.

The Rules Committee voted late Monday to allow the NSA amendments to the $598.3 billion defense bill to be voted on after the House begins consideration of the sweeping measure on Tuesday.

One amendment would bar the NSA from collecting records, including telephone call records, unless the individual is subject of an investigation.

Another amendment prohibits funds to the NSA to target a U.S. individual or acquire and store the content of that person's communications, including phone calls and emails.

Tea party conservatives and liberal Democrats had pushed to include the amendments. Republicans leaders had raised concerns about any attempt to undercut anti-terrorism efforts.