The U.S. Senate has decided to end what was affectionately known as the “Fetterman Rule” by introducing a formal dress code. This decision comes after weeks of heated debates and uproar over the casual attire worn by certain senators. But is this really the most pressing issue facing our nation?

The Fetterman Rule, named after Senator John Fetterman, was a playful nod to his penchant for casual attire. Senator Fetterman, a breath of fresh air in the stuffy world of politics, was known for his love of hoodies, gym shorts, and sneakers. His laid-back style resonated with many, offering a stark contrast to the typically formal dress code of the Senate.

However, the Fetterman Rule was short-lived. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a move that some have described as an overreaction, decided to put an end to the casual dress code. Schumer, who apparently has a keen eye for fashion, believed that the Senate needed to uphold a more dignified image. Thus, the formal dress code was born.

The resolution to implement the formal dress code was put together by Senators Joe Manchin and Mitt Romney, an unlikely duo in the world of fashion. The so-called “SHORTS Act” dictates that men must wear a “coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants” on the Senate floor. The Senate’s sergeant-at-arms will be the enforcer of this new dress code, unless two-thirds of the chamber vote for a change.

Sen. Fetterman presides over U.S. Senate for first time since Sen. Schumer said Senate will no longer enforce its dress code for members pic.twitter.com/2epbmOoxmW

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 20, 2023

Manchin and Romney, seemingly oblivious to the more pressing issues facing our nation, decided that codifying the dress code was of utmost importance. They claimed that it was long overdue and necessary to preserve the sanctity of the Senate. Because nothing says “sanctity” quite like a coat and tie.

Schumer’s decision to relax the dress code and then subsequently enforce a formal dress code has left many scratching their heads. The Washington Post editorial board even chimed in, criticizing the change as unnecessary and arbitrary. It seems that Schumer’s fashion sense is as erratic as his political decisions.

While there have been senators who occasionally wore casual attire in the past, it was Schumer’s focus on Fetterman’s wardrobe choices that sparked the controversy. Fetterman became the unwitting face of the dress code debate.

Senator Fetterman, not one to back down from a fight, embraced his role as the rebel in the Senate. He presided over the Senate wearing a short-sleeve button-down shirt, no tie, shorts, and sneakers. He even sported the same casual attire during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fetterman’s defiance, coupled with his commitment to democracy, earned him both praise and criticism. Some viewed his attire as a refreshing departure from the stuffiness of politics, while others saw it as a disregard for tradition and decorum. Regardless, Fetterman remained steadfast in his belief that the Senate should focus on more pressing matters than what its members wear.

In a surprising turn of events, Fetterman struck a deal with Schumer and Manchin. Under the terms of the agreement, Fetterman would come into the Senate chamber wearing a suit but would be allowed to vote in casual attire from the cloakroom. It seems that even rebels have their limits.

While Fetterman’s compromise may have appeased his colleagues, it leaves us questioning the true purpose of the formal dress code. Is it about upholding tradition and decorum, or is it simply a facade to distract us from the real issues at hand? The Senate’s fashion obsession has reached new heights, and it’s time to call it out for what it is: a spectacle.