Topics

Posted 9/20/2023, 3:19:00 PM

Senate Drops Dress Code for Members; Casual Clothes Now Allowed

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for members.
Sen. Susan Collins joked she would wear a bikini, before clarifying she wouldn't actually do that.
Some senators, like John Fetterman, have worn casual clothes like hoodies and shorts, which will now be allowed.
Some Republican senators criticized the change, saying members should still dress professionally and respectfully.
The sergeant at arms previously enforced the dress code, but now it only applies to Senate staff, not members.

cbsnews.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.

9/18/2023

Pennsylvania Senator Relaxes Senate Dress Code, But Inequities Remain for Staff

The Senate's dress code, which required men to wear jackets and ties and women to wear business attire, has been abolished, likely due to the influence of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, known for his unconventional attire.

9/18/2023

Collins Jokes About Bikini Protest Over Senate Dress Code Changes For Fetterman

Republican Senator Susan Collins criticized Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to no longer enforce a dress code in the Senate, jokingly stating that she would "wear a bikini" on the Senate floor in response.

9/19/2023

Fetterman Sparks Debate Over Senate Dress Code By Ditching Suit and Tie

Senate's dress code pause receives mixed reactions, with Sen. John Fetterman praising the newfound freedom while some Republicans criticize it as degrading and a loss of decorum.

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.

9/20/2023

Fetterman Offers to Wear Suit If House Avoids Shutdown, Pokes Fun at GOP's Dress Code Criticism

Senator John Fetterman offers to wear a suit on the Senate floor as a gesture to save democracy if House Republicans stop trying to shut down the government, as he pokes fun at the new casual dress code that allows lawmakers to dress more informally.

9/21/2023

Senate Democrats Divided Over Relaxing Dress Code; Durbin Wants 'Standards' Maintained

Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin expressed concern over the decision to stop enforcing the dress code for senators, urging the Senate to maintain "standards" on the Senate floor.

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 Reinstating Formal Dress Code After Backlash Over Relaxed Rules

The Senate has unanimously approved a resolution mandating a suit-and-tie dress code for all members, formalizing the longstanding unofficial requirement after a temporary relaxation of the dress policy caused controversy.

9/28/2023

Senate Reinstates Business Attire Dress Code For Male Senators After Clothing Controversy

The Senate has adopted a resolution requiring male senators to wear a coat, tie, and slacks on the chamber's floor after Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer decided to stop enforcing the business attire requirement, causing a divide among lawmakers.

9/28/2023

Senate Votes to Reinstate Formal Dress Code Requiring Coats and Ties

The US Senate unanimously rejects a proposal to allow lawmakers to wear casual clothing in the chamber and instead votes to impose a formal dress code.

Topics

Posted 9/20/2023, 3:19:00 PM

Senate Drops Dress Code for Members; Casual Clothes Now Allowed

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for members.
Sen. Susan Collins joked she would wear a bikini, before clarifying she wouldn't actually do that.
Some senators, like John Fetterman, have worn casual clothes like hoodies and shorts, which will now be allowed.
Some Republican senators criticized the change, saying members should still dress professionally and respectfully.
The sergeant at arms previously enforced the dress code, but now it only applies to Senate staff, not members.

cbsnews.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.

9/18/2023

Pennsylvania Senator Relaxes Senate Dress Code, But Inequities Remain for Staff

9/18/2023

Collins Jokes About Bikini Protest Over Senate Dress Code Changes For Fetterman

9/19/2023

Fetterman Sparks Debate Over Senate Dress Code By Ditching Suit and Tie

Senate's dress code pause receives mixed reactions, with Sen. John Fetterman praising the newfound freedom while some Republicans criticize it as degrading and a loss of decorum.

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.

9/20/2023

Fetterman Offers to Wear Suit If House Avoids Shutdown, Pokes Fun at GOP's Dress Code Criticism

9/21/2023

Senate Democrats Divided Over Relaxing Dress Code; Durbin Wants 'Standards' Maintained

Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin expressed concern over the decision to stop enforcing the dress code for senators, urging the Senate to maintain "standards" on the Senate floor.

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 Reinstating Formal Dress Code After Backlash Over Relaxed Rules

9/28/2023

Senate Reinstates Business Attire Dress Code For Male Senators After Clothing Controversy

9/28/2023

Senate Votes to Reinstate Formal Dress Code Requiring Coats and Ties

The US Senate unanimously rejects a proposal to allow lawmakers to wear casual clothing in the chamber and instead votes to impose a formal dress code.