With 'sadness and humility,' Aaron Schock bids farewell

Embattled Rep. Aaron Schock gave his farewell address on the House floor Thursday.

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Embattled Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) gave his farewell address on the House floor Thursday, saying he leaves Congress with "sadness" after weeks of ethics questions.

"I was never more excited than the day I walked into this chamber six years ago," the congressman said. "I leave here with sadness and humility. For those whom I've let down: I will work tirelessly to make it up to you."

Schock announced last week he would be stepping down from Congress in the wake of a spending scandal and potential ethics investigation into how he used taxpayer and campaign money.

His resignation takes effect March 31st, while the House is in recess.

RELATED: Feds taking a look at Aaron Schock's spending

During his brief remarks, Schock likened himself to former President Abraham Lincoln -- a fellow Illinois Republican -- saying "few faced as many defeats in his personal business and public life as he did."

"I know this is not the end of a story but rather the beginning of a new chapter," Schock said reflecting on his final days as a congressman.

This article originally appeared at NBCNews