C-SPAN advertises branded hoodie after Senate adjusts dress code

C-SPAN has taken the opportunity to advertise its own merchandise to lawmakers after the Senate loosened its rules for attire in the chamber this week.

“Now that the U.S. Senate will no longer enforce its dress code for members, this is the PERFECT time to order your C-SPAN hoodie!” communications director Howard Mortman tweeted, alongside a link to purchase the hoodie.

C-SPAN, the public service channel dedicated to covering government affairs, sells seven varieties of its branded hoodie for about $40 alongside other apparel and accessories in its shop. The channel covers a wide swath of congressional proceedings, including floor votes, committee hearings and other public remarks from lawmakers.

Mortman’s tweet was referring to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) decision to roll back the Senate’s informal dress code earlier this week — a move that has riled up conservatives who are criticizing the rules for being too relaxed.

Schumer said that senators will be able “to choose what they wear on the Senate floor,” a break from the informal dress code that required lawmakers to wear coats and ties or business attire.

Many Republicans have taken aim at the new dress code for appealing to Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.), who regularly sports a hoodie and shorts around the Capitol.

Fetterman has taken swipes at critics commenting on the dress code, including GOP presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who targeted the Pennsylvania Democrat during a press conference Monday.

“I dress like he campaigns,” Fetterman posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to DeSantis.