Press Releases

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s (TX-15) resolution, H.Res. 683, targeting the critical water scarcity issues in South Texas. This bipartisan measure, co-led by Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), calls on Mexico to fulfill its obligations under the 1944 treaty with the United States, which governs the allocation of water from the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande Rivers. This is the second piece of legislation from Congresswoman De La Cruz that has successfully passed the U.S. House with robust support from both parties, underscoring her leadership as an effective advocate for Texans in the nation’s capital.

The current water scarcity and drought conditions in South Texas are causing severe problems for farmers and residents across the Rio Grande Valley. The lack of consistent rainfall and water deliveries has led to devastating crop and cattle losses, and farmers are struggling to get the water they so desperately need.

The treaty requires Mexico to provide the United States with an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year over a five-year cycle. However, Mexico has repeatedly waited until the end of the five-year cycle to fulfill its water contribution.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues for joining me once again to support legislation that is critical to families in South Texas and across America,” said De La Cruz. "I also wish to thank Chairman McCaul for his leadership and assistance on this important resolution. The ongoing water delivery issues severely affect our farmers, risking significant yield reductions, and pose a threat to our national food security. This situation also leads to higher costs for American families and increased reliance on imported produce. Moreover, the lack of water is causing harsh restrictions in our communities, impacting both families and businesses. It is vital that the Mexican government adheres to its treaty obligations. Our families, farmers, and ranchers shouldn't bear the consequences of Mexico's non-compliance.”

This resolution does the following:

• Supports the diplomatic relations required to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill its water deliveries in a timely manner to the United States as outlined in the Treaty;

• Encourages Mexico to fulfill such commitments on an annual basis;

• Recognizes the hardship and water shortages farmers in South Texas are experiencing;

• Supports negotiations that will guarantee more predictable and reliable water deliveries to users in the United States; and

• Encourages new commitments to ensure that the United States receives annual deliveries of at least 350,000 acre-feet of water under such a Treaty.