U.S. Representative and one-time Republican rising star Aaron Schock (R-IL) will resign his seat in Congress.
Schock, a four-term congressman from Illinois’ 18th district, has faced intense scrutiny into his spending after media reports exposed his apparent misuse of campaign funds and taxpayer dollars. The Office of Congressional Ethics was reportedly laying the groundwork for an official investigation when Schock decided to step down.
“Today, I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31,” Schock said in a statement obtained by Politico. “I do this with a heavy heart. Serving the people of the 18th District is the highest and greatest honor I have had in my life. I thank them for their faith in electing me and letting me represent their interests in Washington. I have given them my all over the last six years. I have traveled to all corners of the District to meet with the people I’ve been fortunate to be able to call my friends and neighbors.”
“But the constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction that has made it too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District with the high standards that they deserve and which I have set for myself,” the congressman added. “I have always sought to do what’s best for my constituents and I thank them for the opportunity to serve.”
This story has been updated.
Photo: House GOP via Flickr
