Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., emphasized the need for the Senate to reconsider the independent choice of Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to cease enforcement of the dress code.
In an uncommon public difference of opinion with his party's top official, Durbin, the Democratic majority whip, expressed he is "concerned" regarding the lax guidelines, which some believe caters to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who has a preference for casual attire such as baggy shirts, hoodies, and athletic shorts.
"I'm concerned about it. You know, the Senator in question from Pennsylvania is a personal friend," Durbin shared with SiriusXM presenter Steve Scully on a segment from "The Briefing with Steve Scully," scheduled for full broadcast this coming Friday.
On Monday, Schumer communicated that the personnel for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms — the entity responsible for Senate attire regulations — won't be upholding a dress code on the Senate floor any longer.
"In the past, there was a customary dress code in place," Schumer commented. "Senators have the autonomy to decide their attire on the Senate floor. I intend to keep wearing a suit."
Fetterman has publicly applauded the alteration in dress protocol and has playfully criticized Republicans who disapprove of Schumer's adjustment to the Senate's dress norms.
"I think we need to have standards when it comes to what we're wearing on the floor of the Senate. And we're in the process of discussing that right now as to what those standards will be," Durbin said.
He further expressed to Scully his inability to "comprehend" Schumer's rationale, subsequently urging the Senate to challenge and possibly modify the decision.
This is how John Fetterman showed up to preside over the Senate yesterday.
Imagine a doctor showing up to care for their patients like this.
Imagine a lawyer showing up to defend you in court like this.
Imagine a pilot flying a plane like this.
Imagine anyone else doing this.… pic.twitter.com/5cH6yn2Axd
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) September 21, 2023
The Republicans, with Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., at the forefront, argued that allowing informal attire on the Senate floor diminishes the respect for the institution.
"The Senate is a place of honor and tradition, and the Senate floor is where we conduct the business of the American people. It is where we debate the policies which impact every American family and, when necessary, it is where we must make the gravest decision imaginable – whether to send our fellow Americans into battle to defend the freedoms we all hold dear. The world watches us on that floor and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs," they wrote.
Trending Political News
Kansas 98-year-old Makes First Amendment Stand When Deputies Raid Home
Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old joint owner of a renowned Kansas newspaper, passed away a day after police executed search warrants at her residence and workplace. A recently released surveillance footage reveals her vociferously telling officers to leave her living area.
"Don't you touch any of that stuff," she declares at the beginning of the video, clad in a robe and slippers, supporting herself with a walker.
Jeopardy Host Replaced in Major Shake-Up as Hollywood Strike Rages On
Mayim Bialik will no longer grace the "Celebrity Jeopardy!" podium in the forthcoming season.
The torch is being passed to Ken Jennings, who will now oversee hosting responsibilities. Bialik's departure is tied to her stand with the ongoing Hollywood writers strike, as she chooses to step away from the show, a decision highlighted by Variety.
Large Grocery Store is Double Charging Customers: What to Know
Customers of the renowned grocery store, Wegmans Food Markets, are advised to review their credit card records. This comes after the company's representatives confirmed a probable double-charging incident for both in-store and online shoppers.
Company representatives revealed that credit card payments made on Aug. 16 at all of Wegmans' 110+ locations nationwide were impacted.
ESPN Broadcaster Collapses on Live TV in Shocking Scene
Shaka Hislop, the erstwhile Premier League standout now serving as an ESPN commentator, unexpectedly fainted while live on air during a match telecast featuring AC Milan and Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl this Sunday.
Hislop was in conversation with his fellow presenter, Dan Thomas, at the time of the incident. Upon witnessing Hislop's collapse, Thomas swiftly alerted emergency services. Hislop received immediate medical attention and later in the match, Thomas provided an update on Hislop's condition.
Medical Examiner Makes Ruling In Obama's Personal Chef's Death
The Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner's Office determined this week that the death by drowning of the personal chef to the Obama family was accidental.
Tafari Campbell, 45, formerly served as a sous chef for Barack and Michelle Obama. At the time of his demise, he was in Martha's Vineyard, having traveled from Dumfries, Virginia, according to officials.
NBC Removes Longtime Host From Show Due to Failing Ratings
Chuck Todd, host of NBC's "Meet the Press," made an announcement on Sunday revealing his decision to step away from the show. The reason behind this move is the program's struggle to attract as many viewers as its competitors on ABC and CBS.
In expressing his departure, Todd emphasized his preference to leave a little earlier rather than overstay his welcome. He mentioned that he will be leaving the program later this year. Throughout 2023, "Meet the Press" has maintained an average viewership of 2.5 million, falling behind ABC's "This Week" with 2.6 million viewers and CBS' "Face the Nation" with 2.9 million viewers.
Leave a Reply