<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House</a> Minority Leader <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/hakeem-jeffries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hakeem Jeffries</a> (D-NY) stated he would consider changing the rules to allow sneakers in the speaker’s lobby if <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/democrats/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Democrats</a> gain control of the House in November and he is <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/2026-election/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">elected</a> as speaker.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“That is a good question,” Jeffries responded when asked about the potential rule change. “I do lean in that direction, but these are all issues for us to resolve after the fact. We’re going to remain focused on November 3.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/speaker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">speaker’s</a> lobby, located just off the House floor, has strict rules regarding attire. Members are allowed to mingle, take phone calls, or talk to the press in this space. Only certain staff members are permitted entry, and they must wear “appropriate professional attire,” which currently excludes sneakers. Men are required to wear a jacket and a tie.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, reporters are prohibited from taking photos and videos in the lobby.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In recent years, sneakers have become more popular on <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/capitol-hill/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capitol Hill</a>, leading to the formation of the Sneaker Caucus in 2023. This caucus is chaired by Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/wesley-hunt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wesley Hunt</a> (R-TX).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3480139/congress-sneaker-day-recess/#google_vignette" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HOUSE MEMBERS AND STAFFERS SPORT SNEAKERS AS THEY HEAD FOR RECESS</a></strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Moskowitz mentioned to the <em>Washington Examiner</em> last year that wearing sneakers allows staffers and lawmakers to express individuality and promotes diversity. He noted that at any given time, there are “100 members on the floor wearing sneakers on both sides of the aisle.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The diversity in the room breaks down barriers,” Moskowitz added.</p>