President George W Bush has urged the "urgent" passing of a bill that would retroactively shield telecoms firms which helped the government eavesdrop.

He called on the House of Representatives to approve the law, already passed by the Senate.

An initial act, allowing warrantless tapping of phone calls and e-mails of suspected terrorists, expired on 17 February but did not grant immunity.

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Lawsuits have been filed against some of the firms which took part.

They are accused of violation of privacy.

He told the White House on Tuesday "abusive" lawsuits against telecoms firms would "aid our enemies" by teaching them how to duck surveillance.

'Dangerous intelligence gap'

The House of Representatives allowed the law to expire this month after refusing to rubber stamp a Senate bill that would give telecommunication firms immunity from lawsuits.

The legislation allowed government spying on foreign telephone calls and electronic correspondence without court permission.

"The law expired, the threat to America has not expired," Mr Bush said.

Mr Bush told the White House on Tuesday "a dangerous intelligence gap" had opened up last year before the temporary Protect America Act was passed in August.

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