The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to end the government's bulk collection of telephone records.

The so-called "USA Freedom Act" is the first legislative effort at surveillance reform since former contractor Edward Snowden disclosed the program a year ago.

Some lawmakers argue the NSA program is legal and an essential tool for the intelligence community.

Others say it is a violation of Americans' right to privacy under the U.S. Constitution.

SOUNDBITE (English) REP. JIM SENSENBRENNER, WISCONSIN REPUBLICAN SAYING:

"Let me be clear, I wish this bill did more. To my colleagues who will lament the changes, I agree with you. The privacy groups who are upset about lost revisions, I share your disappointment. The negotiations for this bill were intense. We have to make compromises. But this bill still does deserve support. Don't let the perfect become the enemy of the good."

SOUNDBITE (English) REP. RUSH HOLT, NEW JERSEY DEMOCRAT SAYING: