John Fetterman gives hilarious response to Senate passing new formal dress code
Democrat shares Kevin James picture on X in response to Senate vote
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Fetterman has given a hilarious response to the Senate’s passage of a resolution that now requires men to wear formal dress on the floor of the chambers.
The Democratic senator became a talking point for wearing homewear around the Senate, after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer chose to stop enforcing the unwritten requirement for formalwear.
Several right-wing figures then took issue with Mr Fetterman sporting his trademark hoodie and shorts in the chambers, with the senator responding that he valued “comfort” and that the dress code “was not the biggest issue”.
On Wednesday, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah brought forward a bipartisan bill to enforce a dress code.
The resolution passed that night by unanimous consent, meaning that men are now required to wear business attire including a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants. It does not specify what is deemed as business attire for women.
Following its passage, Mr Fetterman delivered a typical less than serious response, posting a meme on X.
The iconic image shows actor Kevin James shrugging.
Mr Fetterman also sent out a press release featuring the meme.
The senator’s trademark hoodie and shorts had made him quite the sight among the typically uniform appearance of lawmakers in the chambers.
Mr Schumer said after the resolution passed that Mr Fetterman had been cooperating with the changes and had agreed to suit up.
“Though we’ve never had an official dress code, the events over the past week have made us all feel as though formalising one is the right path forward,” he said.
Mr Fetterman, who represents Pennsylvania, recently hit out at the complaints about his attire.
“Don’t we have more important things that we should be addressing?” he asked CNN while wearing a hoodie.
“Nobody has come to me and said the world will burn if you wear a hoodie. I have had conversations on both sides of the aisle.”
He added: “[It’s for] comfort. And it’s hard to find suits of my size. I believe it’s not the person that is made by how they dress.
“It can also be expensive with dry cleaning and everything. Staff are working incredibly hard and I also want my staff to feel comfortable.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments