Federal government and New York City and New Jersey transportation system officials testified on the damage done by Hurricane Sandy to the regional transportation systems, and the needed repairs to rebuild infrastructure capable of withstanding a similar storm. At the time, Congress was considering a passage of a $60 billion relief package for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The package has come under criticism for containing pet spending projects like a new car for the Justice Department’s inspector general, repairs at the Kennedy Space Center and funding for the Federal Transportation Administration.