Press Releases

ICYMI: De La Cruz and Miller Deliver Aid to South Texas

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2025

ICYMI: Washington, DC – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller held a joint press conference in Mission, Texas, to announce the delivery of drought relief funding through the 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program.

Watch Congresswoman De La Cruz's full remarks here.

“The $280 million in funding is critical for Texas farmers and ranchers after suffering severe losses due to the Government of Mexico's refusal to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. I am proud to have secured these funds and deliver solutions for the families, businesses, and communities that rely on Texas agriculture to thrive.” - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

"This $280 million is a lifeline, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz to help agriculture producers along the Rio Grande stay in business, pay their bills, and keep putting food on our tables. Congresswoman De La Cruz, her staff, and my agency have worked tirelessly to deliver this much-needed relief, and we are thrilled to announce that it’s finally here.” - Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller

“The delivery of $280 million in drought assistance to South Texas will provide much-needed relief to farmers and ranchers in the Valley who have suffered from Mexico’s repeated refusal to provide the water it owes under the Water Treaty. I was proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins and lead several of my colleagues from Texas in the mission to secure this funding, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump administration and state leaders to provide every resource necessary for our agriculture community.” - Senator John Cornyn

Background:

The Texas Department of Agriculture's 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program provides $280 million in essential aid to farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley affected by Mexico’s continued failure to supply water as mandated by the 1944 Water Treaty.

The funds are part of a $280 million grant agreement between the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), secured through legislation De La Cruz included in the American Relief Act. This legislation authorized USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to allocate emergency aid to South Texas producers who have suffered severe financial losses due to the Mexican government’s failure to meet water delivery obligations.

The funds are expected to be delivered this week.