Has the NRA taken a position on this?
So will this law allow citizens to protect themselves and their families? Gee, I thought we already were allowed to do that.
What's the number?
This is no doubt a good thing, but it seems that the battles are being fought and won in state legislatures. Over the past 10 years, many states have passed "shall issue" right to carry laws. A person can travel almost anywhere and be able to carry a gun without running afoul of the law. What will most likely happen, I think, is that so many states will become "right to carry" states that it will become necessary to make it nationwide for everybody's convenience and that may require some federal action. Remember, the folks who take the class and pass the background checks are solid citizens, tax payers and voters, and when there enough of them, their influence will be felt.
So, support this federal action, sure, but if your state has reasonable provisions for obtaining a carry permit (usually an 8-12 hour class and a background check - around $200 total for 4 years here in Tennessee), go and get one. If you live in a more repressive state, find a group that's working toward "shall issue" laws and lend your support. When legislators see the numbers of permits issued, they begin to pay attention.
Though you all might want to read this and include something about it in your e-mail or phone call to your Congress Critters:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1327057/posts