Rep. Aaron Schock, who graced a fitness magazine cover for his six-pack abs and made headlines for alleged improper use of taxpayer funds, abruptly announced his resignation from the House of Representatives Tuesday.
"I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31," Schock, R-Ill., said in a statement released by his office. "I do this with a heavy heart."
Schock’s resignation caught House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, by surprise because the Illinois lawmaker didn’t inform any of the House Republican leadership of his decision. Still, Boehner welcomed Schock’s move.
"With this decision, Rep. Schock has put the best interests of his constituents and the House first," Boehner said in a statement. "I appreciate Aaron’s years of service and I wish him well in the future."
Schock’s resignation comes as the Office of Congressional Ethics opened a probe into his spending. His ethics woes began with media reports about his Washington congressional office, decorated in a theme from the PBS hit "Downton Abbey," with funds from his official office budget.
Politico reported that Schock repaid the federal government $40,000 for the decorating work. But media reports indicate that the ethics probe is also looking into Schock’s personal and travel expenses.
"Serving the people of the 18th District is the highest and greatest honor I have had in my life," Schock said in his statement. "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."
Prior to his troubles, Schock, 33, was a rising young Republican star - a prolific fundraiser and a fitness buff. He appeared on a Men’s Health magazine cover that that proclaimed him "America’s Fittest Congressman."
Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Il., said “I was sadden to hear about my colleague Aaron Schock’s resignation from Congress.”
“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his departure, he brought youth and energy to Congress and was dedicated to serving the needs of his constituents,” Hultgren added. “I wish him only the very best in the future. My prayers are with him and his family.”