US Congressman Resigns for Allegation of Overbilling Government - Reports

US Congressman Aaron Schock who represented the US state of Illinois' 18th Congressional District resigned after claims that he charged the US government for personal expenses.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Congressman Aaron Schock announced he is leaving the US House of Representatives over allegation that he overcharged the US government for personal expenses, according to a statement released by Schock.

“The constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction that has made it too difficult for me to serve people of the 18th District with the high standards that they deserve and which I have set for myself,” Schock said on Tuesday.

The Washington, DC publication Politico reported on Tuesday that Schock charged the US government for passing 172,520 miles in his private car between January 2010 and July 2014 when his odometer only had 80,000 miles, and was reimbursed for the difference.

The Office of Congressional Ethics began an investigation on February 28 that included contacting Schock’s political associates for questioning by an independent and confidential panel.

Schock said he will resign from the US Congress on March 31.

Schock represented the US state of Illinois' 18th Congressional District and served in the Congress since 2009.