U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently joked that she wore a bikini to the Senate when changes were made to the traditional dress code.
The BART House of Representatives had quietly relaxed their historic dress code so that members no longer had to wear a jacket and tie when they came to the floor. Collins thought that this was an overreach and in response, when interviewed by the press, the iconic Maine senator said that she was “thinking of appearing in a bikini” as a display of her disagreement.
Collins was quick to point out that she was not serious about the “bikini”. She was making a joke about the lack of deference that is currently being shown towards long-held traditions. Collins clarified that “A jacket and tie is a token of respect that is owed to the chamber and to the American people who are being represented.”
The Senate dress code is a symbol of formality and Collins calls it an expression of civility. She explains that it grants each senator the same respect and recognition with a cordial and dignified approach. It is a sign of good judgment and good governance that all senators should adhere to it.
But Collins also believes that the Senate dress code is a relic of past days, showing that change is inevitable. The culture of the Senate tends to linger in the past and often moves at a glacial pace. But the issue of modernizing the dress code is one that Collins is happy to see discussed.
Collins brought levity to the conversation and used humor to address her perspective on the change. Her statement was not only humorous but exemplary, demonstrating her love for traditions and her respect respect for the Senate chamber. By making her joke, Collins ensured that the changes to the dress code would be met with thoughtful reflection from the Senate and its members.
