Manchin’s resolution opposes new Senate dress code, favors business attire: Report
Sen. Joe Manchin Circulates Petition to Reverse Senate Dress Code Relaxation
A new report reveals that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is taking action to reverse the recent relaxation of the Senate dress code. According to the petition he has been circulating, the senator is calling for men to wear a coat, tie, and long pants on the Senate floor.
This move comes after Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) directed the Senate’s Sergeant at Arms to stop enforcing the formal dress code earlier this month. Schumer himself stated that senators are now able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor, but he personally intends to continue wearing a suit.
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It is speculated that Sen. Manchin’s inspiration for this petition may be Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who has been voting from the edge of the Senate floor while wearing his usual uniform. Fetterman, who recently received treatment for clinical depression, suffered a stroke during his 2022 campaign.
However, not all Democrats are in agreement with the dress code change. Sen. Manchin has been seeking support from his colleagues for the “Show Our Respect To the Senate Resolution” (SHORTS resolution). Politico reports that the two-page measure specifically mentions male senators.
“Business attire be worn on the floor of the Senate, which for men shall include a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants; and.”
The SHORTS resolution also calls for the Sergeant at Arms to enforce the dress code, requiring a two-thirds vote to revise it.
Other Democrats, including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, have expressed concerns about the dress code change. Durbin emphasizes the need for standards when it comes to Senate floor attire and states that discussions are underway to determine those standards.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Sen. Manchin’s office for comment, but no response was provided.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What are the reasons behind Senator Manchin’s efforts to reinstate the stricter Senate dress code?
Senate dress code. Manchin has circulated a petition among his fellow senators, urging them to reinstate the stricter guidelines. This move comes after the Senate voted earlier this month to relax the dress code, allowing senators to wear more casual attire on the Senate floor.
The Senate dress code has been a long-standing tradition, reflecting the dignity and respect that should be maintained within the chamber. It has always emphasized the importance of professionalism and decorum, ensuring that senators present themselves in a manner that befits their esteemed roles as public servants.
However, the recent relaxation of the dress code has raised concerns among some senators, including Manchin. In his petition, Manchin argues that the dress code is essential to maintain the dignity and decorum of the Senate. He believes that the relaxation undermines the seriousness and professionalism of the chamber, potentially eroding the public’s trust and confidence in the Senate.
Furthermore, Manchin points out that the dress code serves as a visible symbol of the Senate’s commitment to its responsibilities. By adhering to a strict dress code, senators demonstrate their respect for the institution and the work it does. It shows that they take their roles seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct.
Manchin is not alone in his concerns. Several other senators have expressed their support for reinstating the stricter guidelines. They argue that the relaxed dress code could create a slippery slope, leading to a decline in standards of conduct within the Senate. Moreover, they believe that it sends the wrong message to the American people, who expect their elected representatives to conduct themselves with utmost professionalism.
The petition circulating among the senators highlights their commitment to maintaining the Senate’s integrity and public trust. It calls on fellow senators to think beyond personal preferences and consider the broader implications of the relaxed dress code. The petition urges senators to prioritize the principles of professionalism, decorum, and respect in their decision-making process.
The debate around the Senate dress code is not a matter of fashion or personal comfort; it goes to the heart of the Senate’s identity and purpose. The dress code has always been about more than just clothing; it reflects the values and principles upon which the Senate was built. It ensures that every senator understands and respects the weight of their responsibilities.
While it is important to adapt to the changing times, it is equally important to preserve the traditions and values that have served us well. The Senate dress code is one such tradition that should not be cast aside lightly. It is a symbolic representation of the seriousness and importance of the work conducted in the Senate chamber.
As the petition continues to circulate among the senators, it remains to be seen whether the dress code relaxation will be reversed. However, the fact that Manchin and others are actively advocating for stricter guidelines speaks volumes about their commitment to maintaining the dignity and professionalism of the Senate.
In these times of uncertainty and division, it becomes even more crucial to uphold the highest standards of conduct in our institutions. The Senate, as the highest legislative body, has a responsibility to lead by example. Reinstating the stricter dress code would send a clear message that the Senate is dedicated to fulfilling its obligations with the utmost professionalism and respect.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding the Senate dress code represents a larger conversation about the balance between tradition and progress. It presents an opportunity to reflect on the values we hold dear and how they shape our institutions. As the discussion continues, it is my hope that the Senate will make a decision that upholds its legacy while accommodating the changing times.
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