National politics

McCarthy’s chief rival, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, forced the vote on the “motion to vacate,” drawing together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say McCarthy is unworthy of leadership.

The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion and funds the government until Nov. 17.

As the nation inches closer to a potential federal government shutdown, Maryland leaders say the state government can weather the loss of money for a few weeks.

Halting government operations would affect more than just federal employees, but also Marylanders who rely on vital government services to meet their most basic needs, such as food benefits, safety inspections, student loan payment processing and child care grants, to name a few.

Cardin replaces Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who was forced out of the chairmanship after pleading not guilty to federal criminal charges.