Gallegly Criticized, Defended Over China Trade Bill

With potentially millions of dollars at stake, some Ventura County growers joined Democratic challenger Michael Case in condemning Rep. Elton Gallegly for failing to state how he will vote today on whether to normalize U.S. trade relations with China.

Some farmers criticized Gallegly, a Simi Valley Republican, for remaining undecided on such watershed legislation that could result in an economic boon for the county.

“What bothers me is that we’ve been talking to him for nine months about this and we still don’t know where he stands,” said Santa Paula grower Bob Pinkerton, a Case supporter. “This is an important issue, and it’s not the kind that you can sit on the fence with.”

The House of Representatives today will consider granting China permanent normal trade relations, legislation that supporters say could translate into millions of dollars in additional revenue for area citrus growers.

Case said Gallegly’s indecision on the bill is a slap in the face to his constituency, which includes hundreds of farmers in a largely agricultural district. Gallegly’s 23rd District encompasses all of Ventura County, except for most of the Conejo Valley.

“If he really thought he were a champion on this issue he would have been in the debate since the beginning to voice those concerns and create policies that work for the people of Ventura County and the nation,” said Case, who is challenging Gallegly in the November general election. “As it is, he hasn’t been there and hasn’t been up front with people. . . . What I think he is doing is hiding out to see how he can get the biggest political bang.”

Gallegly could not be reached for comment Tuesday. But a spokesman for the congressman said that Gallegly, who has twice voted against extending China’s most-favored-nation trade status, is concerned that the proposed legislation does not include enough protections of U.S. interests.

Specifically, Gallegly has said that he wants guarantees that U.S. businesses would be able to compete on a level playing field, to ensure that the bill is equitable, said spokesman Tom Pfeifer. Gallegly is also concerned about China’s aggressive military stance toward Taiwan and South Asia and the recent theft of U.S. nuclear secrets, he said.