The Senate voted 72-23 Thursday evening to renew three key provisions of the Patriot Act, a post-9/11 law giving law enforcement greater surveillance powers, in a quiet close to a debate roiled by objections from Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.).

The House was expected to approve the measure by midnight, when the provisions were set to expire, and President Barack Obama was prepared to sign it into law.

Mr. Paul had kept the law in an impasse all week. He opposed the legislation, calling it an invasion of privacy, and wanted the Senate to vote on amendments he was proposing. Senate leaders eventually allowed votes on two Paul amendments, which were rejected.

The three renewed provisions enable law-enforcement officials to conduct continued surveillance on suspects who switch phones, monitor lone-wolf suspects who aren't connected to known terrorist groups and gain access to suspects' business transactions. All three provisions were extended until June 1, 2015.

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