The US Senate has unanimously voted to reinstate a formal dress code, rejecting a previous decision to allow lawmakers to dress casually in the chamber. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s decision to end the enforcement of the informal dress code, which required senators to wear business attire, sparked outrage among Republicans. However, in a bipartisan move, members of both parties have now established a new dress code that requires lawmakers to adhere to “business attire” standards in the chamber.
This decision comes after Democratic Senator John Fetterman consistently sported hoodie sweatshirts and shorts since his return to work in April from treatment for clinical depression. In order to comply with the unwritten dress code, he often voted from the side of the chamber. However, the revised dress code now explicitly states that lawmakers must wear “business attire,” without providing specific guidelines for women’s clothing such as sleeve length or neckline height. Furthermore, the resolution does not address rules regarding footwear or hats, leaving room for potential controversy in the future.
The resolution also requires the chamber to vote on any changes to the dress code or its enforcement. Senator Joe Manchin, the Democratic author of the resolution, highlighted that many lawmakers were unaware that the dress code was not officially documented until September 18th, when Schumer directed the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms to stop enforcing it. While Schumer initially stated that senators could wear whatever they wanted, including suits and ties, this decision sparked interest among some lawmakers to give floor speeches or cast votes in more casual attire.
The Republican author of the resolution, Mitt Romney, expressed that adhering to a formal dress code allows senators to demonstrate their “respect and admiration” for the institution of government. He acknowledged that formalizing the dress code might not be the most pressing issue for the US Congress, which is currently dealing with contentious political conflicts potentially leading to a government shutdown. However, Romney still believes that implementing a dress code is a positive step forward, showcasing members from both parties working together.
It is important to note that senators have traditionally worn more casual clothes in other parts of the Capitol and changed before entering the chamber. When Schumer relaxed the dress code, Republican critics took to social media to criticize Mr. Fetterman for allegedly jeopardizing decorum in the Senate. In response to the introduction of the resolution, Fetterman posted a photo of actor Kevin James in his role as Doug Hefferman from the sitcom “King of Queens” on social media. The photo depicted James wearing a flannel, a T-shirt, and jeans, expressing a nonchalant attitude towards the dress code.
In conclusion, the US Senate’s decision to implement a formal dress code has significant implications for the institution. By reinstating a dress code, lawmakers aim to maintain decorum and demonstrate their respect for the government. However, the resolution’s vague guidelines for women’s attire and its omission of rules regarding footwear and hats may raise concerns and potentially lead to future controversies. Nevertheless, the bipartisan nature of the decision showcases the ability of Republicans and Democrats to work together, even on less critical matters amidst the ongoing political turmoil.