WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress have been handed a stricter set of rules on how they can spend their tax-supported allowances — changes that come after ex-congressman Aaron Schock spent $40,000 to redecorate his Capitol Hill office like the set of TV’s “Downton Abbey.”

The Committee on House Administration rules require lawmakers to get written approval before buying any office furnishing that costs more than $5,000.

They ban members from getting mileage reimbursements on vehicles owned or leased by the member’s political campaign, political party or political action committee.

And they prohibit them from using their official allowances to pay for private or charter flights unless they get permission.

Schock resigned his Illinois seat and repaid the $40,000 for the office decorations and $1,200 for a flight to a Chicago Bears game.

 

 

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