US Senate dress code: Chuck Schumer relaxes rules
BBC By Lisa Lambert
BBC News
US senators no longer have to follow a dress code when voting on bills or debating in the senate gallery.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has directed the sergeant at arms to stop enforcing a requirement that lawmakers wear "business attire".
Senators have long dressed more freely in other parts of the Capitol.
It remains to be seen how many will now swap their suits for yoga pants and Crocs.
"Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor," Mr Schumer told BBC's US partner CBS News. "I will continue to wear a suit."
CBS News also reported that the relaxed dress code only applies to lawmakers' wardrobes. Staff members and others must continue to wear office-appropriate clothes and shoes in the historic chamber.
