Boehner 'stunned' by Schock resignation

Speaker John Boehner said Thursday he was “stunned” by Rep. Aaron Schock’s resignation, but he supports the Illinois Republican’s decision to leave Congress.

“I expect — and the American people expect — members of Congress to be held to the highest ethical standard,” Boehner told reporters. “And I think Mr. Schock made a decision, frankly I support the decision he made.”


Schock remains in Congress, but has missed votes the past two days since his resignation, which takes effect March 31.

Boehner (R-Ohio) said he believes there are “ample controls in place to deal with the allegations” that prompted Schock’s resignation. POLITICO reported that Schock billed taxpayers and his campaign for mileage that were never driven in the use of his car. His staff says he has reimbursed the taxpayer for all the mileage reimbursements he received during his six years in Congress.

“If somebody’s going to violate the rules, they’re going to violate the rules,” Boehner said. “And in almost every case, sooner or later, it catches up with you.”