U.S. Sen. John Fetterman Foiled: Senate Adopts Formal Dress Code

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With an apparent government shutdown looming, the U.S. Senate on Wednesday took a critical vote on sartorial splendor on the Senate floor. The Senate voted to reverse Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's informal guidance last week permitting senators to wear what they want when voting or speaking in the chamber.

In move seen as an effort to indulge Fetterman's fondness for casual dress, Schumer instructed the staff for the chamber's Sergeant-at-Arms not to monitor the attire of senators. The dress code remained in in place for Senate staff. The dress-down edict was widely criticized by Senate and House Republicans.

Passed by a voice vote with no objections, the dress code resolution mandates that ”business attire be worn on the floor of the Senate, which for men shall include a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants.” Women's fashion guidelines were not addressed.

The bipartisan bill was introduced by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney.