Report: Rep. Aaron Schock spent campaign, taxpayer money on private planes, concerts

Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock (R) has spent thousands of taxpayer and campaign dollars on private airplane flights and entertainment, The Associated Press reports.

The Associated Press used Schock's Instagram account to extract location data from photos he posted and then checked it against flight records. The investigation found that since mid-2011, Schock has taken at least 12 flights worth more than $40,000 on planes owned by donors. Lawmakers can use office funds for private flights if payments cover their share of the cost, but most of Schock's flights took place before House rules changed in January 2013; earlier rules prohibited lawmakers from using accounts to pay for flights on private planes. In addition to the money spent on planes, Schock has requested more than $18,000 in mileage reimbursements since 2013 and took his interns to a sold-out Katy Perry show.

Schock is currently facing an ethics inquiry after decorating his office with ornate, Downton Abbey-inspired furnishings. When asked for comment, Schock told AP he is reviewing office procedures "concerning this issue and others to determine whether they can be improved."

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