This testimony is based on a body of the U.S. General Accounting Office's (GAO's) work on terrorism and emergency preparedness, as well as policy options for the design of Federal assistance and the GAO's review of many other studies. This testimony reiterates GAO's call for the development of a central focus and a national strategy that will improve national preparedness and enhance partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments in guarding against and responding to terrorist attacks. The establishment of the Office of National Preparedness (ONP) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the creation of the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) are important and potentially significant initial steps. In his proposed 2003 budget, the President has announced that the OHS will propose a national strategy later this year. This testimony recommends what the GAO considers should be key aspects of this strategy. These include a definition and clarification of the appropriate roles and responsibilities of Federal, State, and local entities; direction and guidance for Federal agencies and partnerships with State and local governments, as well as the private sector; the establishment of goals and performance indicators to guide the Nation's preparedness efforts; and a careful choice of the most appropriate tools of government to best implement the national strategy and achieve national goals. 50 related GAO products