Schocked, Schocked That Coffee Is on House Floor (Video)
Aaron Schock, whose resignation officially takes effect on March 31, may be leaving Congress, but not before breaking just one more House rule: Schock brought coffee to the House chamber Thursday.
The Illinois Republican was on the floor following his final vote to deliver a farewell speech. And as he waited, Schock found all sorts of ways to commemorate his departure. He shook hands with a number of members. He had one last back-patting hug with fellow Illinois Republican Rodney Davis, one last exploding fist bump with Wisconsin Republican Sean P. Duffy. In another violation of House rules, Schock also took a pic with his congressional buds Kristi Noem, R-S.D., and Jason Smith, R-Mo., — or, rather, Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., took it for him. But what did it matter? Was anyone going to raise the issue with the Ethics Committee? Was the House sergeant-at-arms anywhere in sight?
When the presiding officer asked what purpose the gentleman from Illinois rose, Schock, thinking that gentleman was him, began to get out of his seat. Then Davis spoke up. Schock quietly sat back down.
Finally, it was Schock’s turn. He left his coffee cup on the floor and took to the lectern in the House well.
He delivered a heartfelt speech. One that won’t make any headlines, but was no doubt important to him and his staff. He said he had never been more excited than the first day he came to Congress. “I leave here with sadness and humility,” he said.
Eventually, Schock finished. He gathered his coffee cup, and he headed for the back of the chamber. But not every piece of Schock had left the chamber. Some part of him remained, his imprint undeniable. When Schock picked up his coffee cup, the sleeve didn’t come with it. The cardboard koozie sat upright on the House floor.
Add littering to his list of offenses.
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