[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 28 (Wednesday, March 13, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BRINGING ABDUCTED AMERICAN CHILDREN HOME
(Mr. LAMPSON asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I continue today with my story of Ludwig
Koons. Last week, we left off with Jeff Koons finding his son abandoned
by his mother and left in a dangerous and pornographic environment. Mr.
Koons took Ludwig from this environment and returned with him to New
York City where he immediately initiated divorce and custody
proceedings in the Supreme Court of New York.
His ex-wife filed an appearance through counsel, and the parties
agreed on joint custody of Ludwig. The agreement prohibited either
party from removing the child from New York until a final ruling on the
divorce. Both parties agreed to be accompanied by a bodyguard outside
the home to ensure that Ludwig remain in New York City. The Supreme
Court of New York ordered ratification of the parties' agreement,
ruling that the parties were prohibited from removing Ludwig from the
jurisdiction until further court order.
Well, Mr. Speaker, Ilona Staller ignored that court order and on June
9, 1994 abducted Ludwig to Italy. Neither the United States Government
nor the Italian Government is working to help solve this problem.
Mr. Speaker, join me in helping bring Ludwig Koons and all American
children home.
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