One Lawmaker’s Quest to Make Congress a Little More Comfortable

Rep. Jared Moskowitz said he’s asked for sneakers to be allowed in the speaker’s lobby, but no luck so far.

Members of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus pose for a photo outside the U.S. Capitol.
Members of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus pose for a photo outside the U.S. Capitol. Francis Chung/POLITICO/AP

Capitol Hill has plenty of culture problems. Rep. Jared Moskowitz thinks he can bring some change — starting with sneakers.

Moskowitz founded the Congressional Sneaker Caucus and hosted its third annual “Sneaker Day on the Hill” on Wednesday. The event is a celebration of the politicos who’d rather trade in their pair of sleek oxfords for a more laid back (read: comfortable) pair of Adidas Sambas or Nike kicks to go about their day. It’s also a way to recognize the younger generation’s efforts to challenge the status quo.

“Tradition has changed here so much,” the Florida Democrat said on Wednesday. “To see [wearing sneakers] become normalized, especially with staff, that brings me joy. Because we’re changing the culture. We’re becoming younger. We’re still dressed appropriately, but we’ve allowed maybe a little more relaxed fit to walk around all of the marble floors and stairs.”