In an effort to cater to the lowest common denominator, in this case being U.S. Democratic Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), who can’t seem to dress himself in anything more professional than tennis shoes, shorts and a hoodie, Senate Majority Leader Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has changed the rules so that staff for the sergeant-in-arms will no longer enforce the unwritten dress code of business attire on the floor of the Senate.
The Associated Press reports that Fetterman had been voting from the door of the Senate since he hasn’t been property attired. But now he can get back to mingling and voting with his fellow senators once again.
Schumer said in a statement about the change, which went into effect on Monday, “There has been an informal dress code that was enforced. Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”
Now, it seems, everyone can be a slob and dress like Fetterman or leftist filmmaker Michael Moore – and look like total idiots in front of the world. Because Fetterman can’t seem to get himself to wear anything other than gym clothes, there is now what Weasel News’ The Five calls a “decline of standards” not to mention a lack of equity since the poorly paid staffers still have to dress up.
I’m wondering how long this rule would last if Republican senators started wearing MAGA hats, clown suits or “I hate Brandon” t-shirts. I really hope that some of the Republican senators will start wearing partisan and/or outlandish costumes just to prove a point. Maybe dress up for the upcoming holidays in a Halloween costume or a Santa suit.
Republican Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) is not very happy about the new rule and joked that she might wear a bikini. Then she added a serious comment saying, “I think there is a certain dignity that we should be maintaining in the Senate, and to do away with the dress code, to me, debases the institution.”
Former congressman Justin Amash (I-MI) said on X/Twitter, “The Senate chamber isn’t your home, a gym, or an outdoor park. If you can’t dress professionally for work on the floor of the Senate of the United States, then do us all a favor and get a different job.”
It’s also possible that senators could start showing up and promoting brands like the golfers and NASCAR drivers do – or support their favorite sports teams. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who coached football at Auburn University in the past, said he might wear a “coaching outfit” on the senate floor soon. Although personally speaking, I prefer than he wore a “Crimson Tide” hoodie. I think they need all the help they can get this year.
The Democrats could also start wearing shirts promoting abortions, trans rights and wear “Black Lives Matter” shirts. All bets are off right now – at least until a Republican wears something that the Democrats find appalling.
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