The trips, funded by special interest groups, have drawn criticism as "junkets," with concerns about transparency and the influence of lobbyists on lawmakers.
Sean McMorris highlighted the difficulties in monitoring trips funded by special interests, noting it relies heavily on trust and self-reporting by the lobbyists.
The lawmakers involved in the recent trips focused their discussions on energy and transportation policies, but the optics of such funded travel remain controversial.
Critics argue that the relationship-building aspects of lobbying create an implicit obligation for lawmakers, raising questions about the integrity of their decision-making.
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