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De La Cruz: Mexico Must Meet Water Commitments to U.S.

MCALLEN, Texas, August 22, 2023 | Ryan Saylor (771-200-0819)

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) today urged the Biden Administration to hold Mexico accountable for its obligations under a 1944 water treaty between the United States and Mexico.

The treaty, officially titled the “Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande,” requires Mexico to send an average of 350,000-acre feet of water to the United States every year. However, Mexico has recently failed to meet its water obligations, causing a shortage of water for American agricultural producers – particularly in south Texas.

“The Mexican government has a responsibility to uphold its end of this treaty,” said De La Cruz. “American farmers and ranchers are suffering because of Mexico’s failure to deliver the promised water. I urge the Biden Administration to take action and hold Mexico accountable.”

De La Cruz has spoken with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and urged him to demand that Mexico fulfill its water obligations on an annual basis. She also plans to take action in the House as Congress has long been silent on the enforcement of Mexico to ensure they meet their water commitments.

“The United States must stand up for the water we’re owed,” said De La Cruz. “We cannot allow Mexico to continue to violate this treaty and harm our farmers and ranchers.”

Additionally this Congress, Representative Monica De La Cruz has been engaged on this issue:

  • Sent a letter on March 21, 2023 to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Commissioner, Maria-Elena Garner, encouraging talks with the Mexican Government to release water owed to the United States.
  • Met with the IBWC Commissioner to receive updates and stress the importance of resolving this issue.
  • Led a bipartisan and bicameral letter on May 4, 2023 to State Department Secretary, Anthony Blinken, requesting for the Department to immediately engage with the IBWC Commissioner to ensure Mexico provides for immediate releases of water.
  • Sent a letter on August 4, 2023 to Secretary Blinken requesting the State Department prioritize meeting with Mexican officials, urging their government to fulfill their obligations under the treaty.