Fetterman’s Informal Senate Attire Causes Frustration on Both Sides of the Aisle on Capitol Hill

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on April 17, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Lawmakers reacted to the change in dress code in the United States Senate and Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) appearance in casual attire to preside over the governing body.

The Pennsylvania lawmaker presided over the Senate on Sept. 20, as the Senate leader, wearing a button-up, short-sleeve shirt, and shorts just two days after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced his decision that the Senate Sergeant at Arms staff would no longer compel senators to wear formal clothes on the Senate floor.