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Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging the USTR to include the 1944 Water Treaty in the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during the negotiation process. The proposed integration of the Treaty into the USMCA will strengthen enforcement to ensure the Mexican Government complies with its annual water delivery obligations.

In the letter, De La Cruz writes: 

"Dear Ambassador Greer,

I write to you today regarding the upcoming joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). I strongly urge you, on behalf of South Texas and its farmers, to prioritize the inclusion of the 1944 Water Treaty within the USMCA framework during this review process.   

For decades, South Texas agricultural producers have faced significant challenges due to Mexico's inconsistent, and often insufficient, water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty. These shortfalls create severe economic hardships, threaten agricultural livelihoods, and undermine the region's overall water security. The lack of effective enforcement mechanisms within the existing treaty has exacerbated these problems.   

Integrating the 1944 Water Treaty into the USMCA, whether through a side letter or other appropriate means, would provide a crucial opportunity to strengthen enforcement, predictability, and ensure Mexico’s compliance with its water delivery obligations. The USMCA’s dispute resolution mechanisms could offer a more robust framework for addressing water-related disputes and holding Mexico accountable.

Specifically, I request that your office explore options to:
• Establish clear and predictable water deliveries, and enforceable water delivery schedules within the USMCA framework.
• Develop a transparent monitoring and reporting system to track water deliveries and identify potential violations.
• Utilize the USMCA's dispute settlement procedures to address instances of non-compliance.
• Explore the potential for economic sanctions or other trade-related measures in cases of persistent non-compliance.
The inclusion of the 1944 Water Treaty in USMCA is not simply a matter of agricultural productivity; it is a matter of economic stability, national food security, food price stability, and regional security. By incorporating this critical treaty into the USMCA, we can ensure that South Texas farmers receive the reliable water deliveries they are entitled to, fostering a more stable and predictable environment for agricultural production.

I appreciate your attention to this vital issue and look forward to working with you to achieve a favorable outcome for South Texas.

Sincerely,
Monica De La Cruz
Member of Congress
15th District of Texas"
Read the full letter here.