Senate Divided on Loosening Dress Code to Allow Casual Wear

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin disagrees with loosening Senate dress code to allow casual wear like hoodies and shorts.
Durbin says the Senate should maintain standards for attire on the chamber floor.
The dress code was changed to accommodate Sen. John Fetterman's casual style.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell says Republicans will continue dressing up for work.
The dress code change was made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, though he plans to still wear a suit.

thehill.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/17/2023

Senate Dress Code Loosened to Allow Fetterman to Wear Casual Clothes

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has revised the Senate's dress code to allow senators to wear whatever they choose on the floor, eliminating the requirement for business attire.

9/20/2023

Washington Post Editorial Board Criticizes Senate's Relaxed Dress Code as Disrespectful

The Washington Post criticizes the recent Senate rule change allowing lawmakers to dress down, arguing that formal attire conveys respect for the institution and its responsibilities.

9/21/2023

Senate Relaxes Dress Code, Sparking Debate on Traditions vs. Practicality

The Senate's unwritten dress code, which has traditionally required senators to wear coats and ties for men and suits for women, will no longer be enforced, sparking controversy and criticism from Republicans who argue that decorum is being undermined.

9/21/2023

Manchin Seeks Senate Support to Reverse Schumer's Move to Relax Dress Code

Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin is proposing to reinstate the Senate's dress code, which was recently loosened, in order to define the standards for senators' attire on the Senate floor.

9/22/2023

Senate Dress Code Relaxation Raises Concerns for Women Senators

Senators wearing casual attire on the Senate floor may overlook the importance of dress codes in conveying messages and maintaining consensus, especially considering the challenges that women face in fashion choices and the potential for visual class stratification.

9/28/2023

Senate Passes Resolution to Reinstate Formal Dress Code After Backlash Over Fetterman's Casual Attire

The Senate unanimously passed a resolution formalizing a dress code requiring a coat, tie, and slacks for men on the Senate floor, after backlash over relaxed dress requirements that allowed a senator to wear hooded sweatshirts and gym shorts.

Topics

Posted 9/21/2023, 2:24:00 PM

Senate Divided on Loosening Dress Code to Allow Casual Wear

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin disagrees with loosening Senate dress code to allow casual wear like hoodies and shorts.
Durbin says the Senate should maintain standards for attire on the chamber floor.
The dress code was changed to accommodate Sen. John Fetterman's casual style.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell says Republicans will continue dressing up for work.
The dress code change was made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, though he plans to still wear a suit.

thehill.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/17/2023

Senate Dress Code Loosened to Allow Fetterman to Wear Casual Clothes

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has revised the Senate's dress code to allow senators to wear whatever they choose on the floor, eliminating the requirement for business attire.

9/20/2023

Washington Post Editorial Board Criticizes Senate's Relaxed Dress Code as Disrespectful

The Washington Post criticizes the recent Senate rule change allowing lawmakers to dress down, arguing that formal attire conveys respect for the institution and its responsibilities.

9/21/2023

Senate Relaxes Dress Code, Sparking Debate on Traditions vs. Practicality

9/21/2023

Manchin Seeks Senate Support to Reverse Schumer's Move to Relax Dress Code

Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin is proposing to reinstate the Senate's dress code, which was recently loosened, in order to define the standards for senators' attire on the Senate floor.

9/22/2023

Senate Dress Code Relaxation Raises Concerns for Women Senators

9/28/2023

Senate Passes Resolution to Reinstate Formal Dress Code After Backlash Over Fetterman's Casual Attire