U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) discarded centuries of tradition to suit one senator who hates wearing a suit.
Schumer directed the Senate’s sergeant at arms to stop enforcing the chamber’s informal dress code for members, according to a report from Axios.
“Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor,” Schumer told Axios. “I will continue to wear a suit.”
This relaxed dress code does not apply to others entering the chamber, which still requires, “Coats/ties for men. Business attire for women,” according to a report from Fox News.
This change notably benefits Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) allowing him to continue wearing his signature hooded sweatshirts and gym shorts.
Fetterman has been in the limelight for flouting Senate fashion rules, especially during his recovery period after a six-week stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
He was treated for “clinical depression” and was “fitted for hearing aids for hearing loss that had made it harder for him to communicate,” according to a May report from The Associated Press.
To navigate the Senate’s dress code, Fetterman began voting from the doorway of the Democrat cloakroom or the side entrance, ensuring his vote was registered before making a swift exit, according to the report.
“He’s setting a new dress code,” Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) said about Fetterman in an interview with the AP. “He was struggling. And now he’s a joyful person to be around.”
Not everyone was amused by Fetterman’s casual attire, including some members of his own staff, the report noted.
Staff initially urged him to consistently wear suits, a request that was at odds with Fetterman’s personal preferences.
Senate officials confirmed the revised rule would be implemented this week, according to the Axios report.
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