"In 2008, we witnessed members of a terrorist organisation conduct a coordinated terror attack on multiple locations in Mumbai. As the nation watched these terrorist create mayhem across Mumbai, it left our federal government wondering how to best assist our first responders in preparing for events like this on our own soil," said Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick.
Since 2011, he said, more than 30 cities have hosted "one of these workshops" to test their current plans, policies and procedures in identifying any gaps in these capabilities.
Fitzpatrick told the House Committee on Homeland Security yesterday that the threat of a coordinated terror attack "is still very much present".
The attacks in Paris and Brussels this year were a "stark reminder" that it was essential that the first responders have the resources to protect the communities.