FACTBOX: U.S. measure would revamp spy powers

(Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill that would revamp U.S. spy powers and could shield phone companies from billions of dollars in lawsuits.

Here are some key points of the measure, which the Senate is expected to approve next week and send to President George W. Bush to sign into law.

* Telecommunication companies that participated in the warrantless domestic surveillance program secretly begun by Bush after the September 11 attacks could be shielded from billions of dollars in lawsuits -- if it can be shown that the White House asked them to take part and assured them it was legal.

* Provides no immunity to any government official who may have violated the law.

* Authorizes U.S. intelligence agencies to eavesdrop, without court approval, on foreign targets believed to be outside the United States. Critics complain this allows warrantless surveillance of Americans who communicate with them. The bill contains protections to minimize such eavesdropping but foes say they are inadequate.

* Clarifies that to conduct electronic surveillance of a person in the United States, the government must obtain a warrant from U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

* In an emergency, the government may authorize surveillance and apply for court approval within seven days.

(Sources: Congressional negotiators, civil liberties groups)

(Writing by Thomas Ferraro; Editing by David Alexander)