Republicans demand Schumer reinstate Senate dress code

Republicans are calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to reinstate a dress code for members on the Senate floor, arguing that the loosening of the rules “disrespects the institution.”

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and 45 of his GOP Senate colleagues penned a letter to Schumer on Tuesday demanding that business attire be worn on the floor of the upper chamber following the New York Democrat’s recent order to the sergeant-at-arms to stop enforcing the dress code for senators.

“The Senate floor is a special place. It’s not hard to show it some respect and dress like a grown up,” Scott tweeted Tuesday. 

The Senate dress code previously required lawmakers to wear business attire, including coats and ties for men. 

“For more than 230 years, the United States Senate has served the American people with honor and dignity. As members of this esteemed body, we understand the seriousness our positions require,” the letter, led by Scott, read. 

“The Senate is a place of honor and tradition, and the Senate floor is where we conduct the business of the American people. It is where we debate the policies which impact every American family and, when necessary, it is where we must make the gravest decision imaginable – whether to send our fellow Americans into battle to defend the freedoms we all hold dear. The world watches us on that floor and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs.”

“Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent. We the undersigned members of the United States Senate … urge you to immediately reverse this misguided action,” the letter concludes. 

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday accused the Senate of axing the dress code to “appease” gym short and hoodie enthusiast Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.). 

“The Senate no longer enforcing a dress code for senators to appease Fetterman is disgraceful,” Greene posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions. Stop lowering the bar!”

Fetterman fired back at Greene, referencing her infamous display of x-rated photos of first son Hunter Biden during a House hearing in July. 

“Thankfully, the nation’s lower chamber lives by a higher code of conduct: displaying ding-a-ling pics in public hearings,” Fetterman said in a tweet. 

The new dress code allows Fetterman and other members of the Senate to cast votes from the floor in casual attire, rather than shouting  “Aye” or “Nay” from the doorway to the chamber – a loophole in the previous rule on dress.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) joked Monday that because of the so-called “Fetterman Rule,” she will soon don a bathing suit for Senate votes.

“I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor and Chris Coons is gonna wear shorts because there’s no dress code anymore,” Collins, 70, quipped to reporters, referring to her Democratic colleague from Delaware.

“Obviously, I’m not going to wear a bikini,” she then clarified.

“But the fact is, as I understand it, I could!”

Collins was among the 46 senators that signed Tuesday’s letter to Schumer.