Schumer Changes Senate Dress Code To Accommodate Fetterman’s Unorthodox Style

If the titular Mr. Smith of the 1939 Jimmy Stewart classic went to Washington in 2023, he wouldn’t have to bother with the suit. According to multiple reports Monday, the informal dress code that the U.S. Senate has worked under for nearly two decades will no longer be enforced.

The move opens the door for Senators to effectively wear whatever they want to what was once the most prestigious legislative chamber in the world. It also effectively shuts down criticism of Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-PA) infamous gym shorts and hoodie combo.

According to Axios, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a statement to the outlet, “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”

The outlet noted that the change applies only to senators themselves and not their staff, who will still be required to adhere to the traditional Senate standards.

As Axios noted, “Under that standard, men and women have been required to wear business attire on the Senate floor — which has meant coat and tie for men.”

Eric Ueland, a former longtime Senate staffer, told reporters, “Generous interpretations of the Senate floor dress code can only stretch so far before you have to square up and make formal changes. Hopefully, this round will also protect the floor privileges of senators and staffers who don’t want to wear socks.”

Responses from congressional Republicans varied. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote to X, formerly Twitter, “The Senate no longer enforcing a dress code for Senators to appease Fetterman is disgraceful. Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions. Stop lowering the bar!”

The Senate no longer enforcing a dress code for Senators to appease Fetterman is disgraceful.

Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions.

Stop lowering the bar!

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) September 17, 2023

Former Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) similarly wrote, “Awful. The Senate chamber isn’t your home, a gym, or an outdoor park. If you can’t dress professionally for work on the floor of the Senate of the United States, then do us all a favor and get a different job.”

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) attacks Majority Leader Chuck Schumer loosening the Senate's informal dress code:

“It's just another step in the movement by the Democrats to 'Transform America' … and to take us to a place that is much less respectful than we historically have been.” pic.twitter.com/XTtjbrhQGO

— The Recount (@therecount) September 18, 2023

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) attacked Schumer for the move in an appearance with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News, saying, “It’s just another step in the movement by the Democrats to ‘Transform America’ … and to take us to a place that is much less respectful than we historically have been.”

Senior Congressional Correspondent for Fox News Chad Pegram confirmed via X, “others entering the chamber must comply with the dress code. Coats/ties for men. Business attire for women.”

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) asked in the replies on X, “Double standard?”