cohesion and speed in both preparedness and response. (8) Various Federal agencies report on recommendations for preparation and response to pandemics, biological attacks, and other major health crises, but no one Federal official can produce and speak with authority on a national pandemic and biodefense preparedness and response strategy or execute such a strategy. (9) A key element for success during response activities will be staying ahead of the emergency —in other words, being more proactive than reactive. This will require elements including— (A) timely, accurate assessments of newly emerged risks and vulnerabilities