Export-Import Bank officials have overspent $3 million on travel over the last three years, the Hill reports.
In fiscal 2012, Ex-Im budgeted $1.7 for travel expenses but spent $2.7 million. In fiscal 2013, Ex-Im budgeted $1.2 million but spent $2.2 million. And in this fiscal year, Ex-Im budgeted $1.3 million but expects its end-of-year spending to total $2.3 million.
Much of the recent travel appears designed to build public support for the bank, which is in danger of seeing its charter lapse.
Officials are currently in the middle of a 10-state tour to convince current and potential exporters that the bank is beneficial. The tour will also "help complete deals for the bank," according to the Hill.
Ex-Im spokesman Matthew Bevens told The Hill that the bank "has never exceeded its overall budget as set by Congress."
