A Democratic congressman is pushing to allow reporters — and eventually lawmakers — to wear sneakers in the ornate and historic Speaker's Lobby

• Rep. Jared Moskowitz wants to end the ban on sneakers in the historic Speaker's Lobby, per Politico.
• Moskowitz is pushing to curb the rule for reporters — and ultimately lawmakers — who enter the room.

As a freshman lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz is still in the earliest stage of his congressional career.

But the Florida lawmaker, one of the biggest sneaker enthusiasts in the lower chamber, is pushing to give reporters —and ultimately lawmakers — the ability to wear kicks in the historic speaker's lobby located off the House floor in what would be a dramatic change, according to Politico.

To enter the speaker's lobby, an individual isn't allowed to dress too casually, so wearing a pair of Nike Dunks — no matter how comfortable they may be for earnest reporters and lawmakers traipsing throughout the huge Capitol complex — isn't allowed.

And Moskowitz — a 42-year-old sneakerhead with a penchant for Air Jordans — is looking to relax the rules governing footwear in the speaker's lobby. The congressman on Thursday wrote to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a bid to appeal to the California Republican over changing the longtime rule for reporters.

"Obviously, there is tradition here," Moskowitz told Politico in an interview. "This is the halls of Congress. We need to dress a certain way. But Congress is getting younger. Traditions change."

"No one is dressing like Thomas Jefferson anymore," he continued. "It doesn't mean we don't understand the seriousness of the place. But you can wear whatever suit you want or tie you want. It should be no different for the sneakers you want."

A reporter who spoke to Politico said that Moskowitz's push — if successful — could be a boon for the comfort of the many journalists who spend untold hours each week walking across the Capitol complex.

"The ban is not realistic and outdated. Reporters are on their feet all day, often on hard marble floors, and shouldn't have to sacrifice basic comforts in order to do their job," a reporter based on Capitol Hill told Politico.

"The rule is particularly targeted towards women, who largely do not have the same comfortable dress shoe options as men. I think we can still respect the historical institution we all work in while in our kicks," the reporter added.