The Capitol Hill Police — the men and women charged with guarding both chambers of Congress while armed with "large automatic rifles" — in the hot seat for wearing shorts on duty.

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The decision comes after a week of scorching heat, with temperatures over 100 degrees. During this so-called "heat," officers dared to reveal their lower extremities, clashing with the dress code. In the eyes of the head of the Capitol Division, this cannot work; everyone knows that knees and "large automatic rifles" do not mix.

Officers on bicycles and those not on Capitol duty — meaning those not bearing "large automatic rifles" — will not be banned from letting their legs breathe.

The decision makes perfect sense; when an officer holding a large rifle is wearing a gun, the only thing anyone notices is his or her legs.

[via Roll Call]