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'That was fast': All eyes on John Fetterman as Senate reverses casual dress code

The Senate formalized a longstanding, but previously unofficial, requirement that members show up to the chamber in business attire

WASHINGTON, D.C: The Senate recently passed a bipartisan resolution to reinstate a formal dress code within the upper chamber, reversing a prior relaxation of this unofficial rule that had sparked considerable criticism.

This resolution, by Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah, received unanimous support on Wednesday, September 27 and now mandates senators to dress up in formal wear when on the Senate floor. 

The initial change to a more casual dress code was initially prompted by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who confirmed a rollback of the 'unofficial' dress code on September 19.

But the adjustment swiftly gained the title "Fetterman Rule," named after Senator John Fetterman, who had become known for his penchant for hoodies and loose-fitting shorts.

Statement by Senator John Fetterman

Senator Fetterman was seen leaving the Capitol after the dress code change, sporting a burgundy hoodie.

When questioned about the new rule, he responded indirectly through a viral meme featuring Kevin James as the "King of Queens" character Doug Heffernan, portraying a shrug and a smirk.

Statement by Senators Mitt Romney and Joe Manchin

"This is not the biggest thing going on in Washington today — it’s not even one of the biggest things going on in Washington today — but nonetheless, it’s a good thing," said Romney, according to the NY Times.

Manchin, a Democrat who was among the first in the Senate to criticize the dress code change, referred to the earlier decision as "wrong." He mentioned collaborating with Fetterman to find a solution that works for all.

"I said ‘John, I think it’s wrong & there's no way I can comply with that’…Wanted to tell him directly that I totally oppose it & I will do everything I can to try to hold the decorum of the Senate," he told Fetterman, as reported by Ursula Perano on X (formerly Twitter).

"It’s truly been a team effort," Manchin said on Thursday, September 27.

"You know, for 234 years, every senator that has had the honor of serving in this distinguished body has assumed that there were some basic written rules of decorum and conduct and civility, one of which was the dress code," he said.

Statement by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer 

"Though we’ve never had an official dress code, the events over the past week have made us all feel as though formalizing one is the right path forward," Schumer said Wednesday evening, on September 27, after the resolution by Manchin and Romney was passed.

Schumer thanked Senator Fetterman, acknowledging their collaboration in reaching an agreeable resolution. 

The Senate's initial move towards a more relaxed dress code had faced immediate resistance from senators valuing a formal atmosphere.

Senator Fetterman had then responded by mocking the critics, emphasizing that senators should prioritize more significant matters. Despite the option to dress more casually, he indicated he wouldn't overuse it. 

Internet reacts to the 'Fetterman rule' reversal

People on social media are reacting to the reversal of the "Fetterman rule" regarding the Senate's dress code.

One user wrote on X, "That was fast," while another added, "Didn't have this on my bingo card today."

A third criticized, "As with many things in life, Fetterman went too far. A collared shirt and dress pants and shoes probably would have been acceptable. But, dude dresses like he came straight from, or is going straight to, the gym. Moderation in all things."

Someone else wrote, "That’s how you should be dressed when you’re representing the United States!"

"I'm a die-hard Democrat and was still embarrassed by him wearing a hoodie and shorts," wrote a fifth while a sixth added, "Fetterman is lazy. He’s going to have to be forced to look presentable."