In a surprise move, a vote to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act fell short in the House yesterday. Three controversial provisions of the intelligence law are set to expire Feb. 28.

While the bill received majority support, the vote required a super-majority to pass under special rules reserved for non-controversial measures. Twenty-six Republicans joined 122 Democrats to block the measure. House leaders plan to hold another vote before the provisions expire, this time under normal rules which only require a majority in favor.

The expiring provisions authorize the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to grant warrants to federal investigators for "roving wiretaps" of an individual; for surveillance of a foreign citizen, even without showing that the person is a terrorist or foreign agent; and for "business records," including library records.

The bill, which was not considered in committee, would have extended the provisions until December, requiring Congress to revisit the provisions later this year. The Obama administration supported the bill, although it preferred an extension until 2013.

Several competing measures have been introduced which extend the provisions for varying lengths of time; another would make the provisions permanent. One of the reauthorization bills, by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), would reform the provisions, including adding transparency and oversight mechanisms.

* edited to correct bill number.