Press Releases

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) today announced a critical victory for South Texas farmers with the inclusion of language in the Continuing Resolution (CR) granting the Secretary of Agriculture authority to provide block grants for economic relief to agricultural producers in South Texas. This measure addresses significant economic losses caused by Mexico's ongoing failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

"Our farmers are the backbone of South Texas, and they have faced tremendous hardship due to Mexico's refusal to fulfill its treaty obligations. These water shortages have devastated crops, cost jobs, and threatened our local economy," said Congresswoman De La Cruz. "By securing this relief, we are delivering real solutions to the families, businesses, and communities who rely on agriculture to thrive."

The relief language mirrors provisions in Congresswoman De La Cruz's South Texas Agricultural Assistance Act, introduced in November, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide targeted economic aid to South Texas agricultural producers impacted by the water delivery shortfall.

Under the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico, Mexico is required to deliver a set amount of water to the United States. Persistent noncompliance has led to severe water shortages for farmers in South Texas, impacting citrus growers, sugar producers, and other key agricultural sectors.