Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock — who has repeatedly faced questions in recent weeks over questionable spending practices — is resigning from Congress, he announced Tuesday.
Here is the Republican lawmaker’s resignation statement, posted online by the Chicago Sun Times:
“Today, I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31st.
“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.”
It’s been a rough few months for the congressman: his troubles began last month after it was revealed he had spent thousands to redecorate his office in the style of the Downtown Abbey television series. Since then, there have been a number of other stories questioning how he has spent both campaign and taxpayer money.