The Senate dress code will no longer be enforced by the Senate’s sergeant at arms after Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) directed them to make the change.
The Washington Examiner reported that the rule goes into effect this week and Schumer stated, “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”
The changes have led to online conversations about why dress codes exist.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) wrote, “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.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) September 17, 2023
Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions.
Stop lowering the bar!
Chad Pergram, senior congressional correspondent for Fox News, pointed out that although Senate members no longer have to adhere to a dress code, the rules for others remain in effect.
He said, “Senators can now what ever they want. However, others entering the chamber must comply with the dress code.”
Fox confirms that the Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for senators. Senators can now what ever they want. However, others entering the chamber must comply with the dress code. Coats/ties for men. Business attire for women
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) September 17, 2023
“Coats/ties for men. Business attire for women,” he added.
Bestselling author and podcast host Michael Malice stated, “My compromise position is that the proper dress code for Senators is handcuffs and jumpsuits.”
My compromise position is that the proper dress code for Senators is handcuffs and jumpsuits.
— Michael Malice (@michaelmalice) September 18, 2023
Journalist Ed Krassenstein noted, “This means Senator John Fetterman will be able to wear his preferred clothing on the Senate floor.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has now directed the Senate's Sergeant at Arms to stop enforcing the chamber's informal dress code for members of the Senate.
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) September 17, 2023
This means Senator John Fetterman will be able to wear his preferred clothing on the Senate floor.
Do you support… pic.twitter.com/UtAE52R6iM
He then asked readers, “Do you support this decision? Do you care what our Senators wear?”
Stephen Miller, senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, responded, “A grotesque debasement not only of the institution of the Senate but of the United States before the world.”
A grotesque debasement not only of the institution of the Senate but of the United States before the world.
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) September 17, 2023
Podcast host Craig Chamberlin also responded and said, “They can stop enforcing it, but those who dress to impress will always have better optics.”
They can stop enforcing it, but those who dress to impress will always have better optics.
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) September 17, 2023
Dressing up isn’t for the person dressing up. It’s out of respect for others around you. It shows them you care enough about them to make yourself presentable.
It’s about manners.
“Dressing up isn’t for the person dressing up. It’s out of respect for others around you. It shows them you care enough about them to make yourself presentable,” he went on.
Then he concluded, “It’s about manners.”
