Boccieri-Ryan Resolution to Extradite Claudia Hoerig Passes House

Yesterday afternoon, the House approved an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act calling for the extradition of suspected killer Claudia Hoerig. The resolution, introduced by Ohio Democratic Congressmen Tim Ryan and John Boccieri, expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Goverment should work as a priority to ensure that Claudia Hoerig is returned to Ohio to face justice.

Hoerig is currently hiding in Brazil, where she claims residence, after being accused of killing her husband, Air Force Maj. Karl Hoerig, in the couple's Ohio home. Brazil has refused her extradition to stand trial.

Boccieri, who served alongside Karl Hoerig in the Ohio Air National Guard, originally introduced a stand-alone resolution along with Ryan calling for Claudia Hoerig's extradition in April. The resolution was finally included as the manager's amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which was approved yesterday.

AMVETS Past National Commander John P. "JP" Brown III, a native of Ohio, has vocally called for Hoerig's extradition since the tragic shooting in 2007. Last spring, Brown made an empassioned speech on the issue before the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs. To see video of Cmdr. Brown's testimony, Click Here.

"In April of 2007 Maj. Karl D. Hoerig, a decorated pilot from the war in Iraq was brutally murdered. Accused in the murder is Maj. Hoerig's wife Claudia C. Hoerig. The case has stalled in light of Mrs. Hoerig returning to Brazil, her native country," Brown said during his testimony. "I request that each of you support the Department of State and the Department of Justice in extraditing Mrs. Hoerig so she can stand trial for the crime of which she is accused, and allow the family of an American hero to have some closure in this tragic event."

Brown has continued to push for Hoerig's extradition since returning to his home state, keeping the issue fresh in Congressman Ryan's ear.

Brown said that he hopes national media will pay attention to this issue, coupled with the ongoing dispute between David Goldman and the government of Brazil over parental custody of Sean Goldman, who was illegally abducted by his mother and taken to Rio de Janeiro for a "two-week vacation" in 2004.

AMVETS leaders will continue to support the work of Congress and the Department of State to return Claudia Hoerig stateside to face justice. Check back with American Veteran Online for updates as the Foreign Relations Authorization Act moves forward.

(Photo: Maj. Karl Hoerig flew over 200 combat missions, logging more than 400 combat flight hours as a member of the 910th Airlift Wing with the Ohio Air National Guard in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force file photo of Maj. Karl Hoerig, released.)