It won't get half the press that the failure to pass the extension got on the first try in the House. But the GOP finally manned up and passed the measure.The Hill: The House approved legislation Monday night that extends the authority of the U.S. government to conduct three specific surveillance activities, which would otherwise expire at the end of this month.The bill was approved in a 275-144 vote with the support of more than 60 Democrats, and with more than two dozen Republicans in opposition.House approval of the Patriot Act extensions was all but assured, as most Republicans and some Democrats supported the bill. But this was the second vote on surveillance, as the bill failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority last week when it tried to pass it under a suspension of House rules.The margins were very similar in both votes. Last week's failed 277-148 vote saw 26 Republicans vote against their party, and 67 Democrats join the Republicans.The extension is only until December...(Read Full Post)