John Fetterman and the Battle Over Senate Dress Code: A Culture War Unfolds in Washington

After more than 230 years, the strict dress code in the parliamentary chamber is set to be lifted, igniting a cultural battle in Washington. At the center of this debate stands John Fetterman, an unconventional presence in the predominantly male US Senate.

With a towering height of 2.06 meters and a robust build, Fetterman, a tattooed and goatee-sporting figure, naturally stands out among his 99 Senate colleagues. However, his distinctive style goes beyond his physical presence, as he has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional attire. This trend began during his 13-year tenure as mayor of Braddock and continued when he assumed the role of Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.

Fetterman’s signature look features a hoodie and baggy shorts, even during colder seasons, a stark departure from the traditional attire of his Senate peers, characterized by black suits, white shirts, and ties. In his hometown, the emphasis lies on one’s words and actions rather than their clothing choices. However, Washington operates under a different set of standards.

In the capital, any violations of the dress code are swiftly penalized. Fetterman had managed to evade close scrutiny, partly due to an unconventional decision earlier this year. After surviving a stroke and enduring a challenging rehabilitation process that included clinical depression, he sought treatment at Walter Reed Military Hospital, a facility often frequented by US presidents for medical care.

Upon his recovery, Fetterman returned to his familiar attire: a casual hoodie and gym shorts, sometimes even going bare-legged. His unique style allowed him to circumvent the Senate’s dress code, which has been in place for over two centuries, by keeping one foot in the cloakroom during votes and signaling his approval or rejection with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down gesture.

However, the matter gained heightened attention when Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader in the Senate, officially announced the removal of the clothing requirement, granting senators the freedom to dress according to their personal style.

This decision has not been without controversy, particularly among opposition Republicans, who perceive it as a challenge to long-standing tradition. Forty-three Republican senators signed a vehement letter asserting that permitting casual dress disrespects the institution they serve and the American families they represent. Led by Senator Rick Scott of Florida, conservatives are demanding an immediate reversal of this decision. Some older Democrats also express concerns about the erosion of decorum and individualization.

In conservative media, commentators passionately argue that this change signifies a broader erosion of fundamental values, accelerated by the Democrats, with ominous implications for America. Similar criticisms arose when Barack Obama chose to wear casual pants and a gray sweater during a meeting with his top economic advisors at the White House fifteen years ago.

Fetterman, however, counters these attacks with a sharp sense of humor. In response to a recent incident involving Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, who was spotted vaping and petting during a children’s musical, he quipped, “I think if I did that, they would make me a folk hero.”