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."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
What does 'conquering' Gaza mean to Israel?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has approved a plan to displace much of the Palestinian population while seizing and occupying the territory on a long-term basis.
-
Casey Means: the controversial 'wellness influencer' nominated for surgeon general
In the Spotlight Means has drawn controversy for her closeness to RFK Jr.
-
Trump taps Fox News' Pirro for DC attorney post
speed read The president has named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to be the top federal prosecutor for Washington, replacing acting US Attorney Ed Martin
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read