Smithsonian’s Board Questioned by Senate Committee

Members of the Senate warned the Smithsonian Institution on Wednesday that it could risk losing federal aid if it didn’t move quickly to improve its governance and management, The New York Times and The Washington Post reported.

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee held a hearing yesterday to examine allegations of trouble that led to the resignation last month of the institution’s leader, Lawrence Small.

In particular, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California said she questioned whether the board needs to be expanded and whether its composition needs to be changed. Six members of Congress, the vice president of the United States, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court now serve on the board.

“Given their day jobs, I wonder if they can dedicate the time, attention, and expertise that is so desperately needed.”

Ms. Feinstein also raised questions about the work habits and spending by the board, saying it had spent $20,000 for a dinner in September 2004 and had met for less than two hours in January.

Roger Sant, a businessman who chairs the executive committee of the Smithsonian board, said the trustees had met from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Nonetheless,” he told Ms. Feinstein, “your point is well taken.”

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