COUNTYWIDE : Gallegly Appointed to Judiciary Panel; Beilenson Drops Bid

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) has been named to the House Judiciary Committee, an appointment that will greatly increase his ability to push for legislation to reform immigration laws, colleagues said.

Gallegly’s efforts to pass laws aimed at stemming the flow of illegal aliens into the United States became the centerpiece of his recent reelection campaign.

He defeated Democrat Anita Perez Ferguson in the newly redrawn 23rd Congressional District, which covers Carpinteria and all of Ventura County except Thousand Oaks.

The most controversial of Gallegly’s anti-immigration proposals--denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal aliens--has gained little support in Congress but has garnered significant publicity for the congressman.

Gallegly said he will also use the post to push for tougher anti-drug laws and other criminal law reforms.

He will give up his seat on the interior and insular affairs panel because House rules allow Congress members to serve on only two committees.

“I firmly believe that I can best serve Ventura County from Judiciary,” Gallegly said.

In another development, Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Los Angeles) announced Friday that he shelved his preliminary bid to become Budget Committee chairman. Beilenson, whose district includes Thousand Oaks, had called colleagues while weighing a campaign to succeed committee Chairman Leon E. Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), whom President-elect Bill Clinton has nominated as director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

Colleagues said that Beilenson, a deficit hawk, was handicapped by a relatively late start.

Rep. Martin Olav Sabo (D-Minn.) reportedly wrapped up many early commitments. Reps. John M. Spratt Jr. (D-S.C.) and Charles Stenholm (D-Tex.) are also seeking the post.

Beilenson, whose new 24th district extends from Sherman Oaks to Malibu and up to Thousand Oaks in Ventura County, will rank fourth on the committee in seniority when the new chairman is chosen.