A change to the Senate’s dress code sparked a social media dispute between Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman and Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday night.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Sunday the removal of the dress code, which previously mandated that men wear coats and ties while on the Senate floor. The adjustment, informally referred to as the “Fetterman Rule,” is attributed to Fetterman’s penchant for wearing casual attire, including hoodies. Fetterman can now cast his votes on the Senate floor openly, a departure from his previous practice of shouting “Aye” or “Nay” from the chamber’s entrance.
Schumer clarified this policy shift, stating, “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit,” according to Axios. The dress code adjustment does not apply to Senate staff members.
The social media dispute ensued when Greene criticized the Senate’s decision to relax the code.
“The Senate no longer enforcing a dress code for senators to appease Fetterman is disgraceful. Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions. Stop lowering the bar!” Greene said.
Thankfully, the nation’s lower chamber lives by a higher code of conduct: displaying ding-a-ling pics in public hearings. https://t.co/a4sLQ7nSBL
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 18, 2023
In his response, Fetterman alluded to a House Oversight Committee hearing in July when Greene displayed explicit images from Hunter Biden’s laptop and suggested potential violations of federal anti-human trafficking laws. (RELATED: MTG Censored For Showing Hunter Biden Porn Pics During Whistleblower Hearing)
“Thankfully, the nation’s lower chamber lives by a higher code of conduct: displaying ding-a-ling pics in public hearings,” the senator said.
Thankfully, the nation’s lower chamber lives by a higher code of conduct: displaying ding-a-ling pics in public hearings. https://t.co/a4sLQ7nSBL
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 18, 2023
Fetterman, who won the Pennsylvania Senate seat in the previous election cycle, has faced personal health challenges, including hospitalization for lightheadedness and clinical depression.
Greene previously indicated she may choose to run for the Senate and that she’s open to running as Donald Trump’s VP.