Lawmakers Expensed Millions and Didn't Even Have to Show Receipts

What's Happening

Politics

Lawmakers Expensed Millions and Didn't Even Have to Show Receipts

What's going on: More than 300 House lawmakers were reimbursed at least $5.2 million for food and housing last year while on official business in DC, according to the Washington Post. The cash for that tab comes from taxpayers, and lawmakers aren’t required to show receipts. This is part of an expense plan that a House panel signed off on last year. It is intended to make it easier for lawmakers to cover some of the costs of maintaining separate homes in D.C. and their home districts. The top spender was Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who was reimbursed for nearly $30,000 for housing and $10,000 for food.

What it means: Congress is already one of the least trusted institutions of government. One poll from last year found that most Americans say members of Congress do a somewhat or very bad job at keeping their personal financial interests separate from their work. This reimbursement plan could further muddy those waters. A bipartisan House Select Committee reportedly argued that the new program is in place of giving House members, who earn $174,000 a year, a raise. Some have argued a pay bump would actually be a better idea since it could attract more people to consider holding public office.

Related: Meet the Richest Member of Congress (NBC)

Technology

OpenAI and Google DeepMind Insiders Call For "Right to Warn" About AI Dangers

What's going on: A group of current and former OpenAI and Google DeepMind employees published a letter Tuesday calling for all AI companies to establish greater transparency and protections for whistleblowers. They said the companies cannot be trusted to voluntarily share risks with the public, leaving it up to employees to sound the alarm. The tech workers called on AI companies to stop requiring employees sign non-disparagement agreements, utilize an anonymous process for current and former employees to raise risk-related concerns, and not retaliate against them for speaking up. In response to the letter, OpenAI said that it already has measures in place for employees to express concerns, including an anonymous hotline.

What it means: The field of artificial intelligence is still widely unregulated in the US, even as the industry is predicted to surpass $1 trillion in revenue within a decade. As for OpenAI, the letter comes at a time when the company has been struggling to field criticism that it is not prioritizing safety. Following exits from higher-ups, OpenAI unveiled a new committee last week that will be responsible for making safety and security recommendations to the company’s board while sharing it is starting to train a new AI model that will drive ChatGPT.

Related: Why the US Government Is Not Rushing to Regulate AI (NYT)

Health

The CDC Issues New Guidance on Treating STDs

What's going on: Yesterday, the CDC recommended that some people should consider taking an antibiotic after unprotected sex as a way to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI). The antibiotic, doxycycline, would need to be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, similar to the morning after pill. The new guidance is specific to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who had an STI in the past year and are at high risk of getting infected again. Studies have shown the drug cuts chances of syphilis and chlamydia infections by more than 70% and gonorrhea by about 50%.

What it means: CDC officials are calling this the first prevention tool against STIs that the agency has signed off on in decades. The guidance comes amid reports that syphilis cases have been on the rise among gay and bisexual men. However, the CDC reportedly said there’s not enough evidence yet that doxycycline can be used more widely to lower the risk of infection.

Related: Why Younger Americans Aren’t Having As Much Sex As They Used To (LA Times)

Quick Hits

🕷️ One thing that wasn't on our 2024 bingo cards: giant flying spiders.

❤️‍🩹 The internet showered Halsey with love after she shared what she’s been going through.

📹 Hilaria Baldwin is coming to a TV near you.

🥹 This TikTok influencer is reminding us there is some good in the world.

👑 Rihanna’s surprise announcement has us locked in.

🧊 People are going crazy for the latest Trader Joe's status symbol.

Scorecard

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Winning: ESPN analyst Monica McNutt slam dunked on Stephen A. Smith for his lack of WNBA coverage.

Chaotic: Note to self: don’t make a weird music video when you’re divorcing one of the WNBA’s biggest stars.

Hang it in the Louvre: Novak Djokovic gave it his all at the French Open.

Extra Credit

Eat

One thing we can (hopefully) agree on: Any salad that’s largely made of bread is one we should make and eat ASAP. Particularly when it's as simple, stunning, and satisfying as this Panzanella Salad with Crispy Shallots from Gaby Dalkin, author of the new cookbook “What’s Gaby Cooking: Grilling All the Things.” The riff on the Italian classic stars some of our favorite produce, as well as a zingy vinaigrette, salty feta chunks, and a lot of herbs — so you don’t have to wait until peak tomato season to enjoy the greatest salad of all time.

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.

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Stand up for your health

Gender bias plays a large role in how health care is treated in the US — especially when it comes to women’s pain. To get the care they need, women have no choice but to become their own best advocates. We can help.

Every week Skimm Well, our health and wellness newsletter, gives you scripts (when you’re not sure what to say at the doctor’s office), expert-backed advice, and a round-up of the headlines most relevant to your wellbeing. Because your health can’t wait — so neither should you.

Settle This

Experts say one way to fight off mosquitoes this summer is to avoid starchy vegetables, salty, and spicy foods. Are you willing to skip your favorite foods to avoid a mosquito bite?