Nick Lampson: “I continue my story of Ludwig Koons, the young boy who is being held illegally by the Italian Government. Two weeks ago…”

“I continue my story of Ludwig Koons, the young boy who is being held illegally by the Italian Government. Two weeks ago, the Minor's Tribunal in Rome denied the request of the prosecutor to remove Ludwig's mother, the kidnapper, parental authority. Not only is this outrageous, but the court made this decision without any psychological evaluation, testimony or other discovery whatsoever. The decision was made solely on the superficial interview of Ludwig before the judges, which lasted about 15 minutes. This decision was made despite the finding that Ludwig was kept from having any contact with his father for over 6 months. Ludwig's mother, the woman who kidnapped him and is holding him against the will of United States courts, argued that Ludwig is afraid of his father, which is an absurd, preposterous allegation. Jeff Koons's attorneys will be filing an appellate brief before the Rome Court of Appeals contesting this decision of the Minor's Tribunal as arbitrary and unfounded, which it absolutely is, and which this entire 8-year-long ordeal has been. Mr. Speaker, please, I urge Members to join me. Help end this tragedy. We cannot stand idly by while American children are being kidnapped and held by foreign governments, even if they are our friends. Bring our children home.”