Schock repays $35K for ‘Downton’ office

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) repaid the government $35,000 out of his own pocket to cover an office renovation inspired by the TV series “Downton Abbey.”

“As he said he would, Congressman Schock has fulfilled his commitment to pay for all the renovation costs of the 18th Congressional District office in Washington,” his office said in a statement, according to USA Today, which first reported the news Friday.

{mosads}”Even though office expenses are often covered by the Member Representational Allowance, the Congressman believed it appropriate to pay these costs himself as part of the office review process.”

Schock’s office gained attention after The Washington Post published a story on Feb. 2 claiming the renovations mimicked decorations from Downton Abbey. The PBS drama follows the story of an aristocratic British family during the early 20th century.

Annie Brahler, an Illinois interior designer, remade Schock’s office in the show’s lavish style. Brahler allegedly offered her services for free and added items including a gold sconce and a crystal chandelier.

Working pro bono on Schock’s Rayburn House building office would violate Congressional ethics rules.

The Post story caught the attention of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), who filed a complaint against Schock with the Office of Congressional Ethics on Feb. 3. CREW has since filed a second complaint, charging that Schock sold his home for more than it was worth to a campaign donor.

USA Today reported that an undated invoice from Brahler charged Schock $40,000 in design expenses for the project.

He has since reimbursed the U.S. Treasury $35,000 for the changes, before paying the designer that same amount himself.

USA Today also reported Friday that Schock has spent more than $100,000 in tax dollars on redecorating his office since taking it in 2009.

Schock is additionally facing inquiries into multiple other expenditures. The Congressman also spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on private flights and campaign money on concerts.

A Schock political action committee also spent money on events, including a sold-out Katy Perry performance, according to the AP.

Schock is additionally facing inquiries into multiple other expenditures. The Congressman also spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on private flights and music concerts, including a sold-out Katy Perry performance.

The Illinois Republican has since hired several Washington ethics lawyers and begun a review of his spending for compliance with House rules and the law. 

This story was updated at 9:37 p.m.