House renews surveillance law for 5 years The House overwhelmingly has renewed a surveillance law that allows the government to monitor conversations of foreign spies and terrorist suspects abroad, while requiring approval from a secret court when Americans are targeted -- no matter where they are. Supporters emphasized that the bill is aimed at foreigners overseas, not Americans, and noted the five-year extension is considered vital by the Obama administration's intelligence officials. The vote was 301-118. Opponents said the legislation does not adequately protect Americans from interception of their communications. Senate opponents have threatened to hold up the bill.