In a surprising turn of events, the Senate has officially formalized a long-standing but unofficial requirement for members to show up to the chamber in business attire. This decision came after a brief departure from tradition, which was tailored for Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat known for his preference to vote and preside in shorts and a hoodie. Last week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, announced a relaxing of the decades-old dress policy, leading to mixed reactions among senators.

To address the controversy surrounding the dress code, Senators Joe Manchin III, a Democrat from West Virginia, and Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah, proposed enforceable standards for the first time. The resolution, passed unanimously late Wednesday, specifies that all members must adhere to the "business attire" requirement. Men are expected to wear a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants. This rule was put into place to bring clarity and formality to the Senate floor's decorum.

Senator Schumer, who initially supported the relaxed dress policy, expressed his support for the newly codified dress code from the Senate floor. Sporting a navy jacket and a buffalo silhouette pattern tie, he highlighted the importance of formalizing a dress code given recent events. Schumer's attire not only adhered to the new dress code but also showcased his support for his favorite football team.

The decision to implement a formal dress code was a reversal prompted by a bipartisan backlash over Schumer's directive to the Senate sergeant-at-arms to no longer police outfits for members. This change was made to accommodate Senator Fetterman, who is known for his unique style and frequently seen wearing Carhartt sweatshirts and baggy shorts. However, the decision received criticism from senators who believed that a formal dress code should be upheld.

Senator Romney, who circulated a draft of the proposed changes, aimed to put an end to the ongoing debate over clothing choices, allowing senators to focus on more pressing matters such as avoiding a government shutdown. In his remarks, Romney emphasized that while the dress code may not be the most significant issue in Washington, it is still a positive step forward.

Senator Manchin, one of the first Democrats to express concern over the dress code change, called the earlier decision "wrong." However, he worked with Senator Fetterman to find a workable solution. Wearing a gray notch lapel suit with a striped tie and neatly ruffled pocket square, Manchin acknowledged the importance of having basic written rules of decorum and conduct in the Senate, including a dress code. He saw this opportunity to establish a measure that would endure for centuries.

The newly established dress code requires a two-thirds vote to make any changes, exceeding even the challenging 60-vote threshold required to break a filibuster. This ensures that any alterations to the code will require substantial consensus among senators.

As the news of the formalized dress code broke, Senator Fetterman, known for his signature Carhartt sweatshirts and baggy shorts, was seen leaving the Capitol in a burgundy hoodie. When questioned about the new rule, he did not provide a direct response. Instead, his office sent out a photo of a viral meme featuring actor Kevin James as the "King of Queens" character Doug Heffernan, shrugging his shoulders and smirking at the camera. The meme seemed to encapsulate Fetterman's nonchalant attitude towards the dress code controversy.