US Congress(WASHINGTON) — Rep. Aaron Schock, who has come under fire for lavish spending on office décor, announced on Tuesday he is stepping down.
“Today, I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31st,” the Illinois Republican said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
Schock’s troubles first began when The Washington Post ran an article revealing the congressman’s office in the Rayburn House Office Building was modeled after the red room in the famed period television series Downton Abbey.
He is also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly soliciting contributions for an independent expenditure-only political committee in excess of $5,000 per donor, in violation of federal law, House rules, and standards of conduct.
In his statement, Schock said “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,” he concluded.
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