President Barack Obama is paying tribute to the men and women of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, whose job it is to prevent future terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Obama toured the center and addressed employees Tuesday at the start of a fundraising trip to New York City. The task force, which is led by the Justice Department and the FBI, coordinates the actions of federal, state and local police.

Obama said, because of the efforts and the sacrifices made by task force members, the U.S. is making “real progress” in disrupting the terrorists who are intent on attacking the U.S.

The president said he came to show his appreciation and thank the employees for their hard work.