The Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for senators, a change directed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. This change, which goes into effect next week, allows senators to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. However, it does not affect staff members, who must still comply with the dress code.
This decision comes a few months after Senator John Fetterman made headlines for disregarding the dress code by wearing hoodies and shorts. Fetterman’s relaxed attire was seen as a sign of his recovery after struggling with depression and anxiety following a near-fatal stroke.
The dress code in the Senate has been more of a tradition than a written policy, and in the past, clothing standards were relaxed to allow women to show their arms.
Senators and others reacted to the news of the dress code change on social media, with some making light-hearted comments about what attire senators might choose to wear on the Senate floor.