MPR: Ventura Testifies Before Congress on China Trade

Ventura Testifies Before Congress on China Trade
by Mark Zdechlik
March 31, 2000

Ventura's testimony in front of the committee is part of a wide-ranging effort among free-trade advocates to win approval for the Clinton administration's China trade proposals.
Photo: Mark Zdechlik

Governor Jesse Venturaspent the day in Washington urging Congress to approve broad long-term trade relations with China. Ventura brought what he called a common sense message about free trade in testimony before the one of the most powerful committees of the House.

SUPPORTERS OF FREE TRADE with China asked the popular governor to appear before the House Ways and Means Committee; hoping he could bring attention to the issue. Judging from Ventura's warm reception and the size of the crowd jammed into the committee's hearing room, they got their wish.

Somewhat out of character, the call-'em-as-he-sees-them governor closely followed a prepared statement for his opening remarks calling for more trade with China.

"It makes common sense." Ventura said. "Don't sell our citizens short. They know that the world is a small place in this high-tech world. And they basically want a better life for their children, they want their kids to have better jobs than they have, and they want to see the economy continue to grow."

Ventura told the committee Congress' decision to extend or deny trade relations with China will be the most important economic decision of the twenty-first century. Ventura testified that excluding one of the world's largest economies from trade deals would greatly disadvantage U.S. businesses across the board.

Somewhat out of character, the call-'em-as-he-sees-them governor closely followed a prepared statement for his opening remarks calling for more trade with China.

Photo: Mark Zdechlik

Ventura also talked about how farmers could benefit from increased trade with China. "This agreement is the single most important step we can take to improve market opportunities for agriculture," he said. "The farm economy could use a boost right now."

Ventura's testimony in front of the committee is part of a wide-ranging effort among free-trade advocates to win approval for the Clinton administration's China trade proposals.

There is considerable opposition in the house where concerns about human rights in China and the loss of American jobs have some members saying awarding permanent trading status would take away U.S. leverage to make changes in that country.

On the issue of human rights and reform, Ventura told committee members they need only look to Cuba to see how shutting out countries is not a way to influence change. "It's a failed policy, Castro is now moving up to our tenth president," Ventura said. "It's solidified his effect in Cuba."

Committee members praised Ventura's performance; several of them urging him to continue speaking out on the issue.

Before returning to Minnesota, Ventura met with the U.S. commerce secretary and pledged to continue working for the China trade initiatives.

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