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President Obama signs bill curbing NSA powers into law

President Obama signs bill curbing NSA powers into law

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The USA Freedom Act is here

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President Barack Obama has signed the USA Freedom Act into law, reinstating the Patriot Act's controversial Section 215 but curbing some of the NSA's broad surveillance powers.

The bill was passed by the Senate earlier today following a political standoff. Although the House passed the bill last month, the Senate only was able to pass it one day after the Patriot Act's provisions expired, following a major debate where several proposed amendments to the Freedom Act were shot down.

The White House had previously voiced support for the bill, and it was widely expected that Obama would sign it into law. In a statement, the president said "my administration will work expeditiously to ensure our national security professionals again have the full set of vital tools they need to continue protecting the country."