Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Global Citizen FestivalIllinois Rep. Aaron Schock has resigned from Congress.
The 33-year-old congressman announced his resignation today after facing weeks of scrutiny over his spending habits, having been accused of using taxpayers' dollars and campaign contributions for personal expenses.
"Today, I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31," Schock said in a statement, per Politico, which was first to report the news. "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."
According to Politico, the most recent incident occurred after Schock received thousands of dollars in mileage reimbursements, only for documents to later reveal that his vehicle was driven far less than he claimed (members of Congress are allowed to bill the government for use of a personal vehicle).
Additionally, Schock repaid the government $40,000 in February after he used his official office budget to redecorate his workplace in the style of PBS' period drama Downton Abbey.
"[T]he 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," Schock continued in his statement. "I have always sought to do what's best for my constituents and I thank them for the opportunity to serve."
Schock will serve out his time in Congress through the end of the month, his final day being March 31.
"With this decision, Rep. Schock has put the best interests of his constituents and the House first," House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement, per NBC News. "I appreciate Aaron's years of service, and I wish him well in the future."