suring, to the
maximum extent practicable, the elimination of disparities in
pay and benefits throughout the Department, especially among
law enforcement personnel, that are inconsistent with merit
system principles set forth in section 2301 of title 5, United
States Code.

SEC. 882. [6 U.S.C. 462] OFFICE FOR NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
COORDINATION.

(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There is established within the
Office of the Secretary the Office of National Capital
Region Coordination, to oversee and coordinate Federal
programs for and relationships with State, local, and
regional authorities in the National Capital Region, as
defined under section 2674(f)(2) of title 10, United
States Code.
(2) Director.--The Office established under
paragraph (1) shall be headed by a Director, who shall
be appointed by the Secretary.
(3) Cooperation.--The Secretary shall cooperate
with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the
Governors of Maryland and Virginia, and other State,
local, and regional officers in the National Capital
Region to integrate the District of Columbia, Maryland,
and Virginia into the planning, coordination, and
execution of the activities of the Federal Government
for the enhancement of domestic preparedness against
the consequences of terrorist attacks.
(b) Responsibilities.--The Office established under
subsection (a)(1) shall--
(1) coordinate the activities of the Department
relating to the National Capital Region, including
cooperation with the Office for State and Local
Government Coordination;
(2) assess, and advocate for, the resources needed
by State, local, and regional authorities in the
National Capital Region to implement efforts to secure
the homeland;
(3) provide State, local, and regional authorities
in the National Capital Region with regular
information, research, and technical support to assist
the efforts of State, local, and regional authorities
in the National Capital Region in securing the
homeland;
(4) develop a process for receiving meaningful
input from State, local, and regional authorities and
the private sector in the National Ca