North Dakota Rep. VanWinkle paid for vacation week, draws criticism from House leadership

Minot Rep. Lori VanWinkle is facing scrutiny after missing a week of the North Dakota legislative session for a family vacation — and still receiving taxpayer-funded pay for the days she was gone. State law entitles legislators to daily pay during session, unless they request otherwise. House leadership called the absence inappropriate and asked VanWinkle to consider declining the pay. VanWinkle defended her decision, saying family comes first and criticized what she sees as targeted scrutiny of her actions during an already contentious session.