Embattled congressman Aaron Schock has opted to resign his position after coming under fire for misuse of taxpayer funds and other questionable behavior.
Schock initially triggered controversy last month after the Washington Post exposed his luxurious office, which he had redecorated in the style of Downton Abbey. Schock had reportedly spent $40,000 in taxpayer funds on the renovation.
Although the Republican attempted to make amends be agreeing to repay the bill personally, more allegations of financial misdeeds soon began to surface. Aaron Schock was accused of using campaign funds to buy personal real estate and spending $80,000 of federal money to buy furniture in 2009.
Clearly a fan of his own ego as well as ostentatious trappings, Schock allegedly used $5,000 in government funds to commission a podium that resembled the presidential podium known as “The Falcon.”
A fan of lavish travel as well as furnishings, Aaron Schock was also accused of using taxpayer funds to pay for private flights for personal entertainment, a New York vacation with his entire staff, and a $10,000 trip to India. Schock even documented many of his trips on his Instagram page.
Schock’s image was also tarnished when he was forced to fire a senior staffer who had posted racially insulting comments on social media.
Schock resigned with the following statement:
“Today, I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31. 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. I have always sought to do what’s best for my constituents and I thank them for the opportunity to serve.”
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