ncrc is located in the department of homeland security's federal emergency management agency. thank you for inviting me to appear before you today to discuss preparedness in the national capital region. the ncr is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the united states and compensates the district of columbia and parts of maryland and virginia. under the homeland security act of 2002, congress created ncrc to oversee and coordinate federal programs for and relationships with state, local and regional authorities within the ncrc to enhance the domestic preparedness. to fulfill its mission, ncrc has built and continues to foster strong partnerships and collaboration with state, local and regional authorities in the ncr. as an example, i represent dhs and fema's member of the senior policy group. the senior policy group is compromised of the homeland security advisers and chief emergency managers of virgia, maryland and the district of columbia. the senior policy group plays a key role in sustaining a coordinated regional approach to homeland security and stressing integrated d