Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is criticizing the U.S. Senate’s decision to eliminate its dress code for lawmakers, calling it a “dumbing down” of standards in the country. The change, announced on Sunday by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, comes after Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman made headlines for disregarding the rules.
DeSantis made his comments on Monday during a press conference at Craig Municipal Airport in Jacksonville, where he was announcing that all Florida first responders will receive $1,000 bonuses for the third year in a row. But while addressing the state’s efforts in rewarding its first responders, DeSantis took a moment to criticize the Senate’s decision to no longer enforce a dress code for its members.
He pointed out that Fetterman, who has a history of wearing sweatshirts, hoodies, and shorts, was the reason behind the change. “We need to be lifting up our standards in this country, not dumbing down our standards in this country,” DeSantis said.
Fetterman’s relaxed attire has been seen as a sign of his recovery after suffering a near-fatal stroke last year, according to reports. But DeSantis does not see it that way. “To show up in the United States Senate with that [attire] and not have the decency to put on proper attire, I think it’s disrespectful to the body,” he said.
He also criticized the Senate’s decision to change the rules to accommodate Fetterman’s preference for comfortable attire. “I think the fact that the Senate changed the rules to accommodate that, you know, I think looks — speaks very poorly to how they consider that,” DeSantis said.
According to reports, Fetterman worked around the rules by voting from the doorway of the Democratic cloakroom or side entrance. His relaxed style was also seen as a good sign for the senator as he struggled with depression and anxiety following his stroke, which left him with clinical depression and hearing loss.
Axios also reported that the dress code was previously relaxed to allow women to show their arms. But now, the change will apply to all senators, regardless of their gender.
It remains to be seen how this change will be received by the other senators and the public. But for now, DeSantis remains steadfast in his opinion that the Senate’s decision is a “disrespectful” act and a “dumbing down” of standards in the country.
