US Congressman resigns over ‘male companion’ controversy

A US congressman has resigned from the US House of Representatives over a scandal involving expenses.

Aaron Schock, 33, who will remain in office until the end of the month (March), has been at the centre of a wave of media attention over the past week following reports that he had failed to disclose a number of expenses, which included taking a male companion with him – who Schock claims is his photographer – on an official trip to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

Although his expenses were paid for by a private organisation, Schock was required by law to disclose that his companion, who at the time wasn’t listed on his staff, would be joining him on the trip.

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

“In an effort to remove any questions and out of an abundance of caution, Congressman Schock has reimbursed all monies received for official mileage since his election to Congress,” added a spokesperson.

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