Earlier this week, we received very disappointing news from our nation’s capital. Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL-18) announced his resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, after details were revealed regarding an ethics violation involving the Congressman’s misuse of funds for personal expenditures. It is unfortunate to receive this news, as Rep. Schock’s support of music and the arts education was one of the few bipartisan bright spots in the U.S. House of Representatives. Alongside Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), he was the Co-Chair to the bipartisan STEAM Congressional caucus; it is distressing now that the STEAM Caucus must identify another Republican who is willing to take up this very important issue and worthwhile cause.
The Congressman was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008, and previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Schock was once a contender for the National Republican Congressional Committee’s chairmanship, and was defined by his savvy social media and fundraising prowess. His resignation will take effect March 31; he is the second Republican to resign from a seat in Congress this year. More information regarding Rep. Schock’s resignation may be found on the Washington Post.
Ronny Lau, Special Assistant, Center for Advocacy and Constituency Engagement, March 2, 2015. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org).
