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Aaron Schock says goodbye to Congress, compares himself to Abraham Lincoln

Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Illinois, says goodbye to his fellow members of Congress and his constituents, pledging to "work tirelessly" to make it up to those he let down
Aaron Schock bids farewell to Congress, leaves "with sadness and humility" 01:28

Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Illinois, bid goodbye to his fellow members of Congress on the House floor Thursday afternoon.

"I leave here with sadness and humility," Schock said in the five minute speech. "For those whom I've let down, I will work tirelessly to make it up to you."

Though Schock did not directly address the investigations into his use of campaign and taxpayer money, the embattled congressman acknowledged that he made "mistakes" he hopes to learn from.

Schock, who announced his resignation earlier this month also compared his trials to those of another Central Illinois politician.

"Abraham Lincoln held this seat in Congress for one term," Schock said on the floor. "But few faced as many defeats in his personal business and public life as he did. His continual perseverance in the face of these trials, never giving up, is something all of us Americans should be inspired by, especially when going through a valley in life."

The congressman's resignation will be effective at the end of March.

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