Jeffries open to changing Capitol rules so lawmakers can wear sneakers in speaker’s lobby

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said he would consider a rule change to allow sneakers in the speaker’s lobby if Democrats take the House in November and he is elected speaker.“That is a good question,” Jeffries responded when asked whether he would change the rules to allow sneakers. “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.” Recommended Stories The speaker’s lobby, located just off the House floor, adheres to strict rules. It’s a place where members can mingle, take phone calls, or talk to the press. Only certain staff are allowed in the room, and those allowed in are required to wear “appropriate professional attire,” including no sneakers. Men must wear a jacket and a tie. Reporters are also barred from taking photos and videos while in the lobby.Sneakers on Capitol Hill have grown in popularity in recent years, leading to the creation of the Sneaker Caucus in 2023. The caucus is chaired by Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX).HOUSE MEMBERS AND STAFFERS SPORT SNEAKERS AS THEY HEAD FOR RECESSMoskowitz told the Washington Examiner last year that sneakers allow staffers and lawmakers to be “individualized,” while fostering a sense of diversity. The Florida Democrat said that, at any point in time, there are “100 members on the floor wearing sneakers on both sides of the aisle.”“The diversity in the room breaks down barriers,” Moskowitz said.