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Senate ditches dress code as Fetterman and others choose casual clothes

by Joshua Brown
4 comments
Senate Dress Code

The Senate has decided to do away with its formal dress code, marking a departure from its traditionally strict attire standards. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Monday that the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms, responsible for enforcing the dress code, will no longer be policing the attire of senators on the Senate floor. This change comes in response to the recent attire choices of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who has been wearing shorts while performing his senatorial duties and even voting from doorways to avoid running afoul of the previous dress code.

Schumer clarified the Senate’s stance, stating, “There has been an informal dress code that was enforced, but senators are now free to choose their attire on the Senate floor. Personally, I will continue to wear a suit.” Notably, Schumer did not mention Senator Fetterman in his statement, emphasizing that the dress code change applies exclusively to senators and not Senate staff members.

This alteration in Senate protocol has stirred controversy among some of the more traditional members of the chamber, eroding some of the goodwill that first-term Senator Fetterman had earned earlier this year. Fetterman had previously garnered bipartisan praise for his candid admission of clinical depression, which he experienced following a stroke on the campaign trail last year. Upon returning from treatment, he began wearing more casual clothes, which he claimed made him feel more at ease.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall expressed disappointment, remarking that it’s a “sad day in the Senate” and asserting that both Fetterman and Schumer should be embarrassed by their stance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in the Senate, comparing it to dressing up for weddings and funerals as a sign of respect.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine also shared concerns, suggesting that the relaxed dress code diminishes the Senate’s institutional dignity and humorously quipping, “I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor.”

Senator Fetterman, dressed in a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts, mentioned that he wasn’t certain whether he would frequently take advantage of the new dress code rules. He indicated, “It’s nice to have the option, but I’m going to plan to be using it sparingly and not really overusing it.” In response to criticism, Fetterman appeared bemused, commenting, “They’re freaking out, I don’t understand it. Like, aren’t there more important things we should be working on right now instead of, you know, that I might be dressing like a slob?”

Despite the changes, some senators found the relaxation of the dress code acceptable. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, for instance, wore jeans, boots, and no tie on Monday evening, explaining that he typically adopts this attire when traveling from his home state to attend the week’s initial votes. Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut also opted for a tieless look, mentioning that he had received reprimands from Sergeant-at-Arms staff in the past for not wearing a tie on the Senate floor.

While it remains unclear whether the formal attire rules were ever officially documented, Schumer’s directive ensures that staff will no longer admonish senators for their choice of clothing or insist they vote from the doorway. For Senator Fetterman, his preference for hoodies and gym shorts signifies a personal journey of recovery. Prior to his hospitalization, his staff had requested that he consistently wear suits, a request he famously opposed. After consulting with the Senate parliamentarian upon his return in April, it was determined that he could continue wearing his preferred casual attire as long as he didn’t step onto the Senate floor, although he still wears suits when required during committee meetings.

In recent weeks, Senator Fetterman has become more comfortable engaging in humor and answering reporters’ questions in the Senate hallways, despite the lingering effects of his stroke and an auditory processing disorder that occasionally affects his speech. He utilizes iPads and iPhones that transcribe spoken words in real-time during conversations.

In conclusion, this change in the Senate’s dress code reflects a shift towards more relaxed attire standards, with some senators embracing the opportunity for increased comfort, while others express concerns about the Senate’s decorum. Senator Fetterman’s choice of attire has played a pivotal role in sparking this debate about formality in the Senate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Senate Dress Code

What prompted the change in the Senate’s dress code?

The change in the Senate’s dress code was prompted by Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s choice to wear casual attire, including shorts, while performing his senatorial duties.

Who announced the relaxation of the dress code?

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the relaxation of the dress code in the Senate.

How did some senators react to this change?

Some senators, particularly those who preferred more formal attire, expressed their disapproval of the relaxed dress code. They believed it undermined the Senate’s decorum.

Did Senator Fetterman face any challenges in his attire choices?

Yes, before the dress code change, Senator Fetterman’s staff had requested that he always wear suits, which he disliked. However, upon consulting with the Senate parliamentarian, it was determined that he could continue wearing casual attire as long as he didn’t enter the Senate floor.

How has Senator Fetterman been coping with health challenges?

Senator Fetterman has faced health challenges, including clinical depression and the effects of a stroke. He has candidly discussed his diagnosis and recovery, earning bipartisan praise for his honesty.

What devices does Senator Fetterman use in conversations?

Due to lingering effects from his stroke and an auditory processing disorder, Senator Fetterman uses iPads and iPhones that transcribe spoken words in real-time during conversations.

Will the relaxed dress code apply to Senate staff as well?

No, the relaxed dress code announced by Senator Schumer applies only to senators and not Senate staff members.

More about Senate Dress Code

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4 comments

InfoNerd1 September 19, 2023 - 4:52 pm

Schumer’s statement & CNN source, all you need for the Senate style switch!

Reply
Reader45 September 19, 2023 - 5:44 pm

oh wow, senat dress code change, bout time. Fetterman rocks those shorts!

Reply
PoliticBuff September 19, 2023 - 6:14 pm

Schumer say no more dress code, what?! Some like it, some not so much.

Reply
AutumnWriter September 19, 2023 - 7:55 pm

Fetterman, cool with casual, health matters. More about suits in committee. Interesting shift!

Reply

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