The Smithsonian Institution says a review it conducted of the travel expenses of its 19 museum chief executives reveals that the organization’s leaders are not abusing resources, reports the Associated Press.

The Smithsonian conducted the review in response to December findings that the former director of the National Museum of the American Indian, W. Richard West, spent more than $250,000 in Smithsonian funds on first-class travel around the world over the last four years.

“We’re getting questions, as you can imagine, from members of Congress,” acting Smithsonian Secretary Cristián Samper, who ordered the review, said in an interview this week. “I wanted to make sure our people are out there traveling and using our resources wisely, and I think the answer is yes, they are.”

Although Mr. West spent $105,598 in museum funds on 30 trips last year, averaging $3,520 per trip, the review reveals that most other museum directors spent $1,300 or less per trip.

“I think Rick was clearly was out of the norm in terms of the amount of time he spent out there,” Mr. Samper said. “I’m really trying to turn this page and move the institution forward.”

Although Mr. Samper insists that Mr. West complied with Smithsonian policies, a more comprehensive review of executive travel is being conducted by the Smithsonian’s inspector general.

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