The Senate is set for another big House infusion next year. Why it matters: The two chambers often clash over differing cultures and procedures. An influx of senators used to the faster, more confrontational politics of the House could create new headaches for Senate leaders. - At least five, and potentially as many as 13, current House members could become senators next year, though their paths vary widely. - Competitive midterm races, retirements, primary challenges and senators running for governor have opened the door to fresh Senate blood. Driving the news: Several GOP House members are in the mix to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died July 11, via a November special election. - Reps. Russell Fry, Ralph Norman, Nancy…
President Trump is threatening to raise tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke that drifted from the country into the U.S., triggering health warnings and disrupting outdoor activities. Why it matters: Dealing with Canadian wildfire smoke is becoming a semi-regular occurrence in the Midwest and Northeast. - It degrades air quality, exposing millions to short- and long-term health risks, Axios' Herb Scribner reports . Driving the news: Trump said Friday on Truth Social that the "cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying." - He blamed the wildfire smoke on Canadian officials for "not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein," causing the U.S. to be "unnecessarily invaded by…
The White House did not respond to questions about what legal mechanism he would use to impose the tariffs or how the administration would calculate the rate of the levies.
Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) are both still considering bids for the U.S. Senate despite President Trump endorsing Darline Graham Nordone for a full six-year term. Why it matters: A run by either could mean a messy Aug. 11 special primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on the general election ballot. - But Mace is still considering a bid, according to two sources familiar with her thinking, with one telling Axios it would be "political malpractice not to." - Norman, asked if he is still considering a run, told Axios in a text message: "Yes!!" Driving the news: Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday that he asked Graham Nordone — the sister of the late senator who Gov. Henry McMaster (R)…