Congressional Republicans staged a walk-out from the House of Representatives on Thursday amid a bitter dispute with Democrats over legislation to expand powers to eavesdrop on suspected terrorists.

The protest came as Democrats in the House defied pleas from President George W. Bush to pass legislation already approved by the Senate. The existing Protect America Act, which governs wiretapping, expires on Saturday. Mr Bush threatened to delay his departure on Friday for a week-long trip to Africa to help break the impasse.