The National Security Council (NSC) serves as the President's main forum for taking up national security and foreign policy matters. Established in 1947 as part of the National Security Act and chaired by the President, the NSC membership includes the Vice President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense, among other top leaders, as well as an appointed National Security Advisor. The council advises the President on various security policies and assists in foreign policy coordination, as well as facilitates those policies among different US agencies.