Topics

Posted 9/28/2023, 3:41:01 PM

Senate Votes to Formalize Business Attire Dress Code After Fetterman Spurs Casual Clothing Debate

The Senate voted unanimously to codify a business casual dress code just days after seeking to relax the unofficial dress code.
The change was aimed at accommodating Sen. John Fetterman's casual attire, but many senators argued it would disrespect the institution.
A bipartisan resolution introduced by Sens. Manchin and Romney formally instates an enforceable dress code requiring coats and ties for men.
Fetterman said he will comply with the new rule and continue to wear casual clothes and vote from the doorway when not on the Senate floor.
The dress code debate played out ahead of a looming government shutdown, drawing criticism as a distraction from more pressing issues.

npr.org

Relevant topic timeline:

9/17/2023

Senate Ditches Dress Code, Welcomes Hoodies and Shorts for Senators

The United States Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for its members, allowing them to dress informally, while others entering the chamber must still comply with the dress code.

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

Republicans Decry New Senate Dress Code Allowing Casual Wear Like Hoodies and Shorts

Republicans criticized Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to loosen the Senate's dress code, calling it "terrible," "not a big fan," and "it stinks," with some jokingly planning to wear unconventional attire.

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.

9/19/2023

Fetterman's Casual Clothing Sparks Debate in Senate Over Dress Code

Senator John Fetterman has faced backlash from Republicans after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer relaxed the Senate's dress code, allowing lawmakers to dress casually without violating protocol.

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 Divided on Loosening Dress Code to Allow Casual Wear

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expresses concern over the recent decision to loosen the Senate's dress code, emphasizing the need for 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 9/28/2023, 3:41:01 PM

Senate Votes to Formalize Business Attire Dress Code After Fetterman Spurs Casual Clothing Debate

The Senate voted unanimously to codify a business casual dress code just days after seeking to relax the unofficial dress code.
The change was aimed at accommodating Sen. John Fetterman's casual attire, but many senators argued it would disrespect the institution.
A bipartisan resolution introduced by Sens. Manchin and Romney formally instates an enforceable dress code requiring coats and ties for men.
Fetterman said he will comply with the new rule and continue to wear casual clothes and vote from the doorway when not on the Senate floor.
The dress code debate played out ahead of a looming government shutdown, drawing criticism as a distraction from more pressing issues.

npr.org

Relevant topic timeline:

9/17/2023

Senate Ditches Dress Code, Welcomes Hoodies and Shorts for Senators

The United States Senate will no longer enforce a dress code for its members, allowing them to dress informally, while others entering the chamber must still comply with the dress code.

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

Republicans Decry New Senate Dress Code Allowing Casual Wear Like Hoodies and Shorts

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.

9/19/2023

Fetterman's Casual Clothing Sparks Debate in Senate Over Dress Code

Senator John Fetterman has faced backlash from Republicans after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer relaxed the Senate's dress code, allowing lawmakers to dress casually without violating protocol.

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 Divided on Loosening Dress Code to Allow Casual Wear

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expresses concern over the recent decision to loosen the Senate's dress code, emphasizing the need for 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.