In response to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s decision to relax the dress code on the Senate floor, Republicans voiced their criticisms on Monday. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia described the new rules as “terrible,” while Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed that he’s “not a big fan.” Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa simply stated, “It stinks.”
Senator Susan Collins of Maine even injected some humor, joking with reporters that she planned to “wear a bikini” on Tuesday. She emphasized her belief in maintaining a certain level of dignity in the Senate and expressed concerns about the impact of scrapping the dress code on the institution.
Senator Tommy Tuberville, known for his coaching career at Auburn University, playfully mentioned he might don a “coaching outfit” for his next appearance on the Senate floor. He also shared his discomfort with the relaxed dress code, particularly regarding individuals wearing shorts.
The rule change allows Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania to wear his signature hoodie and shorts on the Senate floor. Fetterman, who has been open about his battle with clinical depression, often opts for casual attire around Capitol Hill. He wore a suit during his swearing-in ceremony in January and defended his choice, questioning whether there were more pressing matters to address.
Some Republicans took advantage of the updated dress code with different ensembles. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri cast his vote in jeans and cowboy boots, while Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska lingered on the floor in her “travel clothes,” consisting of black pants, a quarter-zip top, and sneakers. Murkowski emphasized the importance of showing respect through one’s attire, drawing parallels to wearing jeans to church or a funeral.
However, Democratic senators appeared largely unfazed by the change. When asked about potential alterations to his attire, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois quipped, “Probably, beret and sweatshirt.” Senator Jon Tester of Montana, known for his laid-back style, indicated that the relaxed rules were unlikely to have any significant impact on his choice of clothing.