Suit yourselves: The Senate formalizes a dress code just days after ditching it

The Senate has voted unanimously to codify a business casual dress code, just days after an attempt to relax its unofficial dress code.

Driving the change: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently directed the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms to stop enforcing the unwritten dress code.
* This change seemed to be accommodating Senator John Fetterman, who regularly wears casual clothing due to his hospitalization for depression earlier this year.

Critic’s Corner: However, the shift triggered backlash from Republican Senators who argued that casual attire disrespects the institution and its constituents.
* Forty-six Republican senators sent a letter to Schumer voicing their dissatisfaction and demanding the reversal of the dress code change.

In Response: A resolution was introduced by Senators Joe Manchin and Mitt Romney which has formally instated an enforceable dress code for the Senate floor, known as the SHORTS Act.
* The act requires business attire, with specifics for men, however, does not stipulate requirements for women.
* Schumer showed support for the resolution before the vote and thanked lawmakers, including Fetterman, for their cooperation.

Afterthoughts: Despite the resolution, critics argue the timing is distracting as discussions occur ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.
* Critics have called out lawmakers for focusing their energy on this issue instead of passing a crucial spending bill.
* Fetterman, complying with the new rule, has continued to draw attention to more pressing issues such as the impending government shutdown.

View original article on NPR

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