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Would it be too much to ask the author of this piece to provide the name, bill number or other identifying information so that the reader might be able to verify the conclusions of the article?
You've got to be kidding. Expressly stating such things is counteruntuitive for today's press. Informing Americans is the last thing on their minds. Thus the premise that ignorance of the law is no excuse. You're expected to know it with or without any help from the press.
I'm so glad Owl Bore invented the Internet...a few keywords and you get...

Wiretap bill sets up election-year issue
The House approved a bill Thursday that would grant legal status to President Bush's warrantless wiretapping program with new restrictions. Republicans called it a test before the election of whether Democrats want to fight or coddle terrorists.
"The Democrats' irrational opposition to strong national security policies that help keep our nation secure should be of great concern to the American people," Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement after the bill passed 232-191.
Snip...The bill, sponsored by Rep. Heather Wilson (news, bio, voting record), R-N.M., that give legal status under certain conditions to Bush's warrantless wiretapping of calls and e-mails between people on U.S. soil making calls or sending e-mails and those in other countries.
Then you go to Thomas...and look up bills sponsored by Rep. Wilson's (Browse Bills by Sponsor) and after scrolling down a bit to 22 and you get...this page which leads to this...
H.R.5825 Title: To update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.
9/28/2006 10:18pm: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 232 - 191 (Roll No. 502). (text: CR H7853-7857)