Nick Lampson: “every day for a year I spoke out on international child abduction. Today I will focus on one case, that of Ludwig Koons…”

“every day for a year I spoke out on international child abduction. Today I will focus on one case, that of Ludwig Koons, who is being illegally kept in Rome, Italy. Until Ludwig is returned to the United States, I will speak with outrage at the injustice that is being done to this family, an example of what thousands of American parents and their children face every day. Ludwig Koons was born in New York and was abducted from the family residence to Rome by his mother, Ilona Staller. Mr. Koons was awarded custody in the United States, but the Italian courts have refused to accept any American jurisdiction. The father has been deemed the fit parent by the courts, and U.S. and Italian psychologists have stated that Ludwig is in grave danger and must be returned to Mr. Koons. Yet he remains captive in Italy, being held by the Italian Government and by his mother, a porn star living in a pornographic compound. Mr. Speaker, every day Members of this body and administration speak out on family values. I can think of no better way to demonstrate our commitment to family values than to return Ludwig Koons to his father now. Mr. Speaker, we must bring our children home.”