Republicans criticize new Senate dress code: ‘Stop lowering the bar’

Some Republicans are up in arms over the Senate’s dress code update, with many blaming Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who is known to prefer shorts and hoodies instead of suits.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called the change “disgraceful” and pointed the finger at Fetterman.

“Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions,” she posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Stop lowering the bar!”

Her comment elicited a biting retort from Fetterman.

“Thankfully, the nation’s lower chamber lives by a higher code of conduct: displaying ding-a-ling pics in public hearings,” he wrote on X, referring to Greene showing sexually explicit images of Hunter Biden during a House committee hearing in July.

Fetterman’s office didn’t immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.

The former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor has in recent weeks taken to voting from the edge of the chamber, because he couldn’t be on the floor without violating an informal dress code unless he wore a suit.

“Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement shared with The Hill on the change.

Despite his simple announcement, several have reacted harshly to the change.

“It’s just another step in the movement by the Democrats to transform America, to take us to a place that is much less respectful than we historically have been,” Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) said during a morning interview on Fox Business.

Conservative commentator Monica Crowley called Fetterman “a revolting slob.”

“This is a material debasement of a storied institution and an absolute reflection of America’s steep decline,” she wrote on X.

The change doesn’t apply to staff or outside visitors, who will continue to be required to adhere to the business attire policy.