The recent move by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to ditch the Senate dress code for lawmakers has earned bipartisan backlash, and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia is taking action.
"Next week, Senator Manchin intends to file a bipartisan resolution to ensure the Senate dress code remains consistent with previous expectations," a Manchin spokesperson noted, according to reports.
Schumer had instructed the chamber's sergeant at arms to no longer uphold the informal dress code for senators, according to Axios.
"There has been an informal dress code that was enforced," Schumer had noted in a statement, according to reports. "Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit."
The Hill, citing unidentified senators, reported that Manchin was circulating a proposal to revive the chamber's dress code for senators. "I've signed it," a senator said, noting that it would "define what the dress code is."
On the heels of Schumer's decision, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman presided over the Senate while wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt.
But many lawmakers are not pleased with their newfound license to dress down. A whopping 46 GOP senators signed a letter pressing Schumer to reverse course.
"Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent. We the undersigned members of the United States Senate write to express our supreme disappointment and resolute disapproval of your recent decision to abandon the Senate's longstanding dress code for members, and urge you to immediately reverse this misguided action," the letter stated.
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