Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Changes Senate Dress Code, Allowing Senators to Wear Whatever They Want on the Floor

In a move to modernize the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has changed the Senate’s informal dress code to allow senators to wear whatever they want on the floor. This change was highlighted on Wednesday when Senator John Fetterman, D-Penn., presided over the Senate in shorts, a short-sleeve button-down shirt, and no tie.

The relaxed attire comes as Fetterman issued a statement poking at congressional Republicans, offering to “save democracy by wearing a suit on the Senate floor next week” if House Republicans “stop trying to shut our government down.”

The previous dress code required men and women to dress in business attire, although it was often flouted. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, jokingly told reporters that she “plan[s] to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor.” She went on to clarify that she “obviously” is not going to wear a bikini.

Schumer himself still plans to wear suits, but other lawmakers may take him up on the offer to “choose what they wear on the Senate floor.” The change in dress code is seen as a move to modernize the Senate and make it more inclusive and accessible to all.