- The Washington Times - Monday, September 18, 2023

Sen. John Fetterman said Republicans are losing it over the Senate’s new dress code, now known as the “Fetterman rule,” based on the Pennsylvania Democrat’s preference to wear hoodies or loose button-down shirts with baggy shorts.

Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, ordered an end to the Senate’s traditional “business attire” dress code. He made the change by instructing the Sergeant at Arms to cease enforcing the dress code.

This means that Mr. Fetterman can now walk onto the chamber’s floor wearing his casual clothing — before, during and after votes — as opposed to giving a thumbs up or down to the chamber’s clerk from the doorways of the Senate floor.  

Mr. Fetterman said he hopes more lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will embrace the looser dress code throughout the work week, as many wear jeans and button shirts on Mondays when they fly to Washington from their home states.

“I think we should all want to be more comfortable. And now we have that option. And if people prefer to wear a suit, then that’s great. And that’s just a greater option,” he said.

The change, though, does not sit well with some Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who called the action to appease Mr. Fetterman “disgraceful.”

“Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions. Stop lowering the bar,” she said on X, formerly Twitter. 

“They’re losing their minds. Like dogs and cats are living together. Like they’re freaking out,” Mr. Fetterman told reporters Monday. “I don’t understand it. Aren’t there more important things we should be working on right now instead of that I might be dressing like a slob?”

The first-term Pennsylvania Democrat said that his favorite insult was that he was a “revolting slob.”

Mr. Fetterman did not step onto the Senate floor Monday, despite the new rule change. 

“Not today, but next time. Baby steps. New freedom to do that just before I just take it out and unfold that,” he said.

• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.

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