The White House and congressional backers of the National Security Agency's electronic surveillance program are warning that ending the massive collection of phone records from millions of Americans would put the nation at risk from another terrorist attack.
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 White House says Russia has a "clear legal basis" to expel National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden and is asking them to do so without delay.
President Barack Obama says the United States is following legal channels on how to bring National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden back to the U.S. He says the administration is working with other countries to make sure "the rule of law is observed."
The former government intelligence contractor who says he revealed that the National Security Agency collects Americans' phone records and Internet data from U.S. communications companies has been charged with espionage and theft of government property.
The National Security Agency can keep copies of intercepted communications from or about U.S. citizens if the material contains significant intelligence or evidence of crimes.