North Dakota Rep. Lori VanWinkle, R-Minot, faced scrutiny for taking a week-long vacation during a legislative session, but still being paid $1,065 by taxpayers. House Majority Leader Mike Lefor criticized her absence, calling it inappropriate, while Speaker of the House Robin Weisz expressed surprise as no one had taken such a long vacation during a session before. VanWinkle defended her decision, stating family was her priority and she had missed the annual vacation for two years. She also compared her absence to another representative being excused for a year due to having a child. However, Lefor emphasized the difference between acceptable absences and taking a vacation during a legislative session. The controversy resulted in a close vote in the chamber on excusing absent members. VanWinkle faced backlash from fellow representatives for her absence and was accused of trying to minimize her actions by comparing them to others. Despite the criticism, no action was taken to revoke her pay.
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