USA-POLITICS/SCHOCK U.S. Republican congressman with "Downton Abbey" office resigns
Record ID:
1375196
USA-POLITICS/SCHOCK U.S. Republican congressman with "Downton Abbey" office resigns
- Title: USA-POLITICS/SCHOCK U.S. Republican congressman with "Downton Abbey" office resigns
- Date: 17th March 2015
- Summary: AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT, INDIA (MARCH 29, 2013) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** U.S. CONGRESSMAN AARON SCHOCK BEING WELCOMED BY FUNCTIONARIES OF GUJARAT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. CONGRESSMAN AARON SCHOCK SAYING: "Nice to meet you. We are looking forward to spending lots of money in your state." AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT, INDIA (MARCH 28, 2013) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) SCHOCK SEATED WITH PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI (PREVIOUSLY THE CHIEF MINISTER INDIA'S WESTERN STATE OF GUJARAT) SCHOCK AND FELLOW REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF CONGRESS CYNTHIA LUMMIS SCHOCK AND MODI AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT, INDIA (MARCH 29, 2013) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) SCHOCK GIVING SPEECH
- Embargoed: 2nd April 2015 09:59
- Keywords:
- Location: India
- Country: India
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA1NVEXXS1IJKK279ITTF4BSMKA
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: EDIT CONTAINS ORIGINAL 4:3 VIDEO
U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock, a Republican from Illinois whose Downton Abbey-styled office launched a series of media reports questioning his use of taxpayer dollars, announced on Tuesday (March 17) that he is resigning from Congress.
The 33-year-old congressman from Peoria, Illinois had been a rising star in House Republican circles since he was elected in 2008. But he said in a statement that he was stepping down "with a heavy heart."
Schock gained a following for posting flashy photos on social media of himself traveling, surfing and on other adventures. But he was hounded with questions after the Washington Post wrote in February about lavish decorations in his Capitol Hill office based on the television series "Downton Abbey."
The piece focused on the office's bright red walls, gold-colored wall sconce and an elaborate mirror with an eagle perched on top.
Although staff told the Post that the interior design work had been done for free, the story prompted more investigations into Schock's spending habits, with several media outlets reporting that he failed to disclose some expenditures and had to repay others after improperly using taxpayer funds.
The newspaper USA Today called him one of the top travel spenders in the U.S. House, even out-flying the state's two senators.
Schock will resign as of March 31, his statement said. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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