Embattled Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) gave his farewell address on the House floor Thursday, saying he leaves Congress with “sadness” after weeks of ethics questions.
“I was never more excited than the day I walked into this chamber six years ago,” the congressman said. “I leave here with sadness and humility. For those whom I've let down: I will work tirelessly to make it up to you."
Schock announced last week he would be stepping down from Congress in the wake of a spending scandal and potential ethics investigation into how he used taxpayer and campaign money.
His resignation takes effect March 31st, while the House is in recess.
During his brief remarks, Schock likened himself to former President Abraham Lincoln – a fellow Illinois Republican – saying “few faced as many defeats in his personal business and public life as he did.”
“I know this is not the end of a story but rather the beginning of a new chapter,” Schock said reflecting on his final days as a congressman.
