More than a year after Edward Snowden's revelations over the extent of U.S. surveillance rocked the world, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday rejected the USA Freedom Act, a bill that would have brought an end to the National Security Agency's (NSA) broad surveillance methods.

The USA Freedom Act, which was introduced last year, lost 58-42 Tuesday night, just two votes shy of the 60 it needed. Lawmakers, mostly Republicans, had vetoed the bill mainly out of fear that it would leave the country vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

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Had it been approved, the Act would have regulated collected data, particularly telephone conversations, which would have remained in the hands of phone companies and would require government agencies to obtain a court order before access to records could be granted, according to The New York Times.

The bill had gained widespread support with the White House signaling its backing on Monday. Various groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the National Rifle Association had likewise expressed support, said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who sponsored and incorporated changes into the bill.

Likewise, the Reform Government Surveillance group, which includes tech giants Google, Microsoft and Facebook, had pushed for the bill's passage.

Afterwards, it was a downcast Leahy that condemned the use of "scare tactics" to kill the bill. He acknowledged the Act's disappointing loss but vowed to pursue the cause.

Despite this, new legislation on surveillance measures is expected next year when a provision under Section 215 of the Patriot Act expires on June.

Observers speculate the failure of the USA Freedom Act will fuel heated debates with regard to the renewal of Section 215 which would re-authorize the NSA's and FBI's broad surveillance powers.

Last month, GOP Rep. James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin said it was unlikely the House of Representatives would renew the provision.

TagsU.S. Senate, USA Freedom Act, NSA surveillance, Edward Snowden, aclu, NRA, Reform Government Surveillance, Patrick Leahy, Section 215, Patriot Act, James Sensenbrenner