Schumer Relaxes Senate Dress Code, Sparking Backlash From GOP Lawmakers
Summary from the AllSides News Team
The Senate is relaxing its informal dress code, allowing senators to dress however they please in the chamber.
Details: A statement from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.” Outlets are attributing the rule change to Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who is known for his casual attire of gym shorts and a hoodie. Until now, Fetterman would frequently vote from the door frame of the chamber when dressed casually to adhere to chamber decorum. Under the new guidelines, senators are allowed to wear whatever they want, but others inside the chamber have to comply with the formal dress code.
Response: The rule change is being criticized by conservative lawmakers and media voices, with Fetterman frequently singled out. In a social media post, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) said, “Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions. Stop lowering the bar!” Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) said, “If my interns can put on a suit so can a U.S. Senator.”
How the Media Covered It: The rule change is being covered across the spectrum. The Hill (Center bias) noted other lawmakers besides Fetterman who have worked around the rules to vote on bills while wearing casual attire. USA Today (Lean Left bias) broke down how the chamber’s changing standards reflect changing standards in the American workplace. Fox News (Right bias) focused coverage on conservative backlash.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
The end of the dress code? What it means that the Senate is relaxing clothing rules
U.S. senators no longer have to dress to impress.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that staff for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms will no longer be tasked with enforcing a dress code on the Senate floor.
With Congress debating a possible government shutdown and whether there should be age limits for lawmakers, the Senate's dress code change comes to mostly accommodate Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who unapologetically wears his trademark hoodies and shorts as does his duties. Fetterman often votes from doorways or sticks his head inside the chambers to avoid getting...
From the Right
Fetterman blasted by conservatives after Senate drops dress code: 'Stop lowering the bar!'
The U.S. Senate recently dropped its dress code requirement, sparking criticism from many conservatives both online and in Congress who suggested the move was made to appease Democratic Sen. John Fetterman.
Fox News Digital confirmed on Sunday that the Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for senators. Senators will now be allowed to wear whatever they want but others entering the chamber must comply with the dress code, which is coats and ties for men and business attire for women.
Conservatives responded on X, formerly known as Twitter,...
From the Center
Schumer loosens Senate’s informal dress code
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has eased up the Senate’s informal dress code to allow senators to wear whatever they want on the floor, meaning lawmakers will no longer have to poke only their heads and arm into the chamber to vote if wearing shorts or gym clothes.
The informal rule change reflects the trend in the broader economy, particularly in the tech sector, toward more casual attire in the workplace.
The most obvious beneficiary would be first-term Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who often sports his trademark...
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