Schock resigned after POLITICO reported that he had billed the taxpayers and his campaign donors for 170,000 miles on a car that only had 80,000 miles on it. | AP Photo Schock likens himself to Lincoln

In his farewell speech, Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock compared himself to Abraham Lincoln, and said his resignation from Congress in the midst of a spending scandal “is not the end of a story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.”

Schock, whose resignation takes effect March 31, noted that Lincoln had his House seat for one term, “but few faced as many defeats in his personal business and public life as he did.”


“His continual perseverance in the face of these trials, never giving up, is something that all of us Americans should be inspired by, especially when going through a valley in life,” Schock told a nearly empty House chamber. “I believe that through life’s struggles we learn from our mistakes and we learn more about ourselves. And I know that this is not the end of a story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.”

Schock resigned after POLITICO reported that he had billed the taxpayers and his campaign donors for 170,000 miles on a car that only had 80,000 miles on it. He has been accused of sloppy accounting and spending of both his campaign and taxpayer dollars. He said in an interview he wasn’t sure if he had broken any laws or accepted any improper gifts.

In his Thursday speech, Schock said that he leaves Congress with “sadness and humility.” It was the closest he came to admitting wrongdoing since the scandal erupted more than a month ago.

“For those who I have let down, I will work tirelessly to make it up to you,” he said from the House floor. “I know that God has a plan for my life.”

When he left the floor, he walked through the halls of the Capitol answering no questions. When asked what’s next for him, Schock said “Easter.” He then got into a white SUV with Mississippi plates and drove away.