Nick Lampson: “Yesterday we left off with the abduction of Ludwig Koons. On June 9, 1994, against a New York court order, Ilona Staller…”

“Yesterday we left off with the abduction of Ludwig Koons. On June 9, 1994, against a New York court order, Ilona Staller abducted Ludwig to Italy. A bench warrant was issued in New York. Ms. Staller kept Ludwig in hiding for over a month, and Jeff Koons had no contact with his son. He did not know where he was, if he was safe, nothing. Due to the abduction and other circumstances, Mr. Koons was awarded temporary custody of Ludwig pending a final decision by the New York Supreme Court. In the fall of 1994, the Italian authorities charged Ms. Staller with parental kidnapping pending before the Pretura Penale di Roma. However, the Italian Government stalled and stalled. Proceedings on the charge were delayed for 2 years. In December of 1994, custody was awarded to Jeff Koons by the Supreme Court of New York. The court entered a final judgment dissolving the marriage and blaming Ms. Staller for the breakdown of the marriage, and deeming Jeff the most fit parent. Mr. Speaker, Jeff Koons was awarded custody of Ludwig by the Supreme Court of New York, yet Italy refuses to acknowledge this. Where is our State Department? Does anyone care? Bring Ludwig Koons and all American children home.”