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Congressman Schock resigns, spending scandal grows
02:17 - Source: CNN
Washington CNN  — 

Illinois Republican Rep. Aaron Schock, who announced his resignation last week after a series of campaign and office spending scandals, bid farewell to Congress “with sadness and humility.” And then he compared his struggle with that of former President Abraham Lincoln’s.

On the House floor days before his official final day in office Schock said “every person faces adversity in life” and noted that Lincoln represented the same Illinois seat in the House for one term.

READ: FBI, federal prosecutors investigating Schock

“Few faced as many defeats in his personal business and public life as he did. His continued perseverance in the face of these trials – never giving up – is something all of us Americans should be inspired by, especially when going through a valley in life,” Schock said.

He touted legislation he was proud to sponsor and projects in his district he believed helped his constituents.

“For those whom I’ve let down I will work tirelessly to make it up to you,” Schock said.

CNN reported last week that FBI and federal prosecutors were investigating the 33-year-old congressman for potentially breaking the law in accounting for his campaign expenses.

Questions about Schock’s record-keeping came after a Washington Post profile reported the congressman spent lavishly to decorate his office to resemble a set from the popular PBS show “Downton Abbey.” He paid $40,000 back to his office account.

But a string of stories exposed details about the Illinois Republican flying on a private jet owned by a donor to a Chicago Bears game, taking staffers to a Katy Perry concert, bringing a large group of staff to New York using taxpayer funds and failing to disclose he took his photographer on a trip to India.

Schock also highlighted his extensive travels around the world with pictures on social media, which aided reporters who began tracking his travel.

Several news outlets reported a donor helped finance real estate transactions for Schock in his district. He also over-billed the government for mileage reimbursement on a car purchased by his campaign, as first reported by Politico.

In an ironic twist right around the same time Schock spoke for the last time on the House floor the BBC News reported that Downton Abbey would end its run after it completes its six season on television.