Chuck Schumer Will No Longer Enforce Senate Dress Code

(ProsperNews.net) – On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the Senate’s dress code will no longer be enforced for members of the chamber, the Associated Press reported.

Schumer said in a statement that effective Monday, senators will no longer be required to follow the chamber’s “informal dress code” but instead can “choose what they wear on the Senate floor.”

While Schumer’s statement did not specifically mention Senator John Fetterman, it was commonly understood that the loosening dress code was designed to accommodate the Pennsylvania Senator who was unable to enter the Senate chamber due to his penchant for wearing shorts and a sweatshirt.

When Fetterman returned to the Senate after being hospitalized for depression earlier this year, he ditched the suit and tie and began dressing in his trademark shorts and sweatshirt, claiming it made him more comfortable. However, his casual attire prevented Fetterman from entering the Senate chamber where the dress code was enforced, forcing him to cast his votes from the doorway.

With the staff of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms no longer enforcing a dress code for elected members, Fetterman will now be able to enter the chamber.

The change to the dress code applies only to senators and not to staff.

The changes to the dress code prompted anger from some members of the Senate.

Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall described the change as a “sad day” for the chamber and said Schumer and Fetterman’s constituents should be embarrassed. Marshall said the Senate should maintain a level of decorum.

Maine Republican Susan Collins said the relaxed dress code debases the institution. She joked that she planned to show up on the Senate floor wearing a bikini.

For Monday evening’s vote, Senator Fetterman turned up in the chamber wearing shorts and a button-down shirt. He told reporters that he doesn’t know if he will take advantage of the dress code change. He said it is “nice to have the option” but will plan to use it “sparingly.”