Majority leader Chuck Schumer loosens Senate’s dress code
- The Senate relaxed its dress code to let lawmakers wear what they want
- Staff members, visitors will still have to wear 'business attire'
- Dress code was considered 'informal' by aides, but strictly adhered to
(NewsNation) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., changed the chamber’s informal dress code to allow senators to wear what they want on the floor, according to a media report.
NewsNation partner The Hill reported Schumer, in a statement, said that while senators can now choose what they want to wear on the Senate floor, the majority leader will continue wearing a suit.
This statement, and new dress code rules, were first reported on by Axios.
While lawmakers will be able to dress informally, The Hill writes this does not apply to staff or outside visitors.
According to Axios, before the dress code changed, men and women were required to wear business attire while on the Senate floor, with men wearing a coat and tie. However, senators in a rush were able to circumvent this by voting on the edge of the Senate floor with their thumb up or down to indicate a vote, Axios said.
Although Senate aides say the dress code is “informal,” The Hill writes it’s been “strictly adhered to” for the last two decades.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is one lawmaker who can often been seen with a hoodie and gym shorts, although other senators have also been seen in casual attire, per The Hill. He has worn a suit and tie on the floor and to address the Senate.
Fetterman isn’t alone though. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been seen walking around the Senate a number of times in gym clothes. Former Sen. Ben Sasse, a Republican who represented Nebraska, used to do the same.