Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman said he would wear a suit on the Senate floor next week if Republican “jagoffs” in the House prevented a government shutdown and fully supported Ukraine’s efforts against the Russian invasion of the country.
The Pennsylvania senator has seldom appeared in formal suit and tie, opting instead to wear a loose-fitting hoodie or Dickie’s button-down shirt and gym shorts.
In a Wednesday X post, Fetterman offered to “save democracy” by wearing a suit in exchange for Republicans compromising with Democrats in the House.
“If those jagoffs in the House stop trying to shut our government down, and fully support Ukraine, then I will save democracy by wearing a suit on the Senate floor next week,” he wrote.
If those jagoffs in the House stop trying to shut our government down, and fully support Ukraine, then I will save democracy by wearing a suit on the Senate floor next week.
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 20, 2023
The Pennsylvania senator’s wardrobe choices were highlighted as Fetterman presided over the Senate wearing his loose-fitting Dickie’s shirt and gym shorts.
Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer directed the sergeant-at-arms to stop enforcing the Senate’s previous formal dress code.
“Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor,” said Schumer in a statement to Axios, adding he would continue wearing a suit.
The Senate’s dress code change has since been dubbed “The Fetterman Rule.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he couldn’t imagine senators would begin wearing jeans on the Senate floor anytime soon.
“I think I’m pretty safe in saying most if not all Republican senators think we ought to dress up to go to work,” McConnell said per The Hill.
Forty-Six Republican senators, led by Florida Senator Rick Scott, signed a letter to the Minority Leader demanding the Senate’s previous formal dress code be reinstated.
“The world watches us on that floor and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs,” the letter reads. “Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent.”
Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania senator previously joked about his clothing choices by suggesting he dresses how Florida Governor Ron DeSantis campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.
“Try hoodies,” Fetterman said after sharing a Politico article claiming DeSantis’ campaign was “on life support.”
Try hoodies https://t.co/1MY4rOYyZ5
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) September 21, 2023
In another X post earlier this week, Fetterman said nobody should take fashion advice from him while announcing he was releasing new merchandise to his online store.
One shirt available on Fetterman’s store features a series of quotes from critics referring to him as “disgraceful,” “disgusting,” a “revolting slob,” and a “crazy stroke victim.”
Fetterman is also selling a hoodie reading, “I vote in this hoodie.”
