Is the Senate Dress Code Controversy Bridging National Divides? Probably not, but it is Entertaining.
There is something to be said about caring for your personal appearance, especially in a location that is worthy of a more respectable attire; it can speak volumes about the person who chooses to dress appropriately for the occasion.
To quote the astute lyrics of ZZ Top in 1983, “They come runnin’ just as fast as they can, ’cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man.” I personally appreciate the bearded wisdom.
However, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman does not appear to share this ethos. Several times since his swearing-in, the Keystone State Senator has shown up to the United States Capitol to conduct business wearing oversized athletic shorts and hooded Carhartt sweatshirts.
The problem was, until quite recently, the U.S. Senate had long-standing traditions regarding representatives’ attire and appearance. According to CBS News, “While there are 44 standing rules of the Senate, none establish a formal dress code. Rather, the Senate had a custom of business attire, including that men should wear a coat and tie in the chamber, and that women should wear dresses with their shoulders covered or pantsuits.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, however, quietly changed the Senate’s dress code earlier this week, which most assumed he did to accommodate Senator Fetterman’s style preferences. Under the new lax rules, lower-level staffers are still required to dress professionally.
46 Senators have since signed a letter addressed to Senator Schumer requesting that he reverse his decision, and others including Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly who plainly told CNN, “I don’t like it.”
“The world watches us on that floor, and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs,” the Senators’ letter read. “Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent.”
Many social media users joined the Senators in criticizing the new policy, some calling it “An absolute disgrace.” Turning Point USA Contributor Savanah Hernandez said that the new rules are simply “another example of the deterioration of pride [for] our country.”
U.S. House Representative Dan Crenshaw commented on the controversy as well, stating, “Rules matter. Standards matter. They’re what separate [sic] the civilized from the uncivilized and they’re what lay the foundation for constant human improvement and progress.”
Senator John Fetterman, rather than applauding or criticizing the decision, used the online debate as an opportunity to advertise his new line of branded merchandise. “We can all agree: Nobody should take fashion advice from me,” the Senator quipped, “But in case you want to, new merch dropping soon.”
