Senate Votes To Return To Previous Dress Code

The New York Times reports:

After a brief departure from tradition that was tailored for Senator John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Democrat who pressed to vote and preside in shorts and a hoodie rather than a business suit, the Senate on Wednesday formalized a longstanding — but previously unofficial — requirement that members show up to the chamber in business attire.

The Senate late Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution that for the first time codified the suit-and-tie uniform. The action came a week and a half after Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat and the majority leader, announced a relaxing of the decades-old dress policy, prompting some senators including Mr. Fetterman to loosen their ties while others clutched their pearls.

The new, enforceable standards, put forth by Senators Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, and Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, assert that “business attire” is required for all members, specifying that men are expected to don a coat, tie and slacks or other long pants.

Read the full article.

A week ago, the top Senate Democrat announced a more casual dress code in the chamber. But on Wednesday, the Senate formalized a longstanding — but previously unofficial — requirement that members show up to the chamber in business attire. https://t.co/lR6M0ZA4WZ

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 28, 2023

https://t.co/YhYZJfXsHM pic.twitter.com/sV9NiaAswJ

— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 27, 2023

Senate dress code is restored passing senate unanimously 2nite Thankfully Sen Schumer’s unprecedented decision was overruled by the will of the senate

God bless COMMON SENSE

— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 27, 2023

As senators, we should demonstrate reverence for the institution in which we serve—and our attire is one of the most basic expressions of that respect. Proud our resolution to reinstate the business attire dress code on the Senate floor passed unanimously.https://t.co/zn2ZoZ5Ntv

— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) September 28, 2023