Press Releases

On Wednesday, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing longstanding issues regarding Mexico's compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty. The proposed bill is designed to empower U.S. diplomats and officials in their endeavors to secure adherence to the treaty. Rep. Henry Cuellar is the co-lead of this legislation.

The legislation mandates the Secretary of State to leverage the full spectrum of U.S. diplomatic tools, including voice, vote, diplomatic capital, and resources, to enforce Mexico's compliance with the existing treaty. Despite the crucial nature of this matter, the Secretary of State has so far failed to prioritize engagement on this critical issue. Senator Ted Cruz (TX) has introduced the Senate counterpart to this bill, emphasizing the cross-chamber support for this initiative.

Agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley heavily relies on consistent and sufficient irrigation water deliveries. However, for years, South Texas farmers have grappled with Mexico's inconsistent and unreliable water deliveries owed to the United States under the 1944 water treaty. Just recently, the closure announcement of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, after 51 years of operation, underscores the severe impact of Mexico's failure to meet its obligations. This closure represents the last remaining sugar operation in Texas, signifying the urgent need for action.

Key original cosponsors of this bill include Reps. Henry Cuellar, Randy Weber, Keith Self, Dan Crenshaw, Ronny Jackson, Troy Nehls, Jasmine Crockett, Pete Sessions, John Carter, Beth Van Duyne, August Pfluger, Vicente Gonzalez, Wesley Hunt, Lance Gooden, Tony Gonzales, Nathaniel Moran, Jodey Arrington, Sylvia Garcia, Brian Babin, Michael McCaul, Michael Cloud, Pat Fallon, Michael Burgess, Roger Williams. Additionally, prominent groups such as the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas International Produce Association, Texas Citrus Mutual, Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, and Texas Vegetable Association have voiced their support for this crucial legislation.

"We urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort to address the pressing issue of Mexican compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty," said Rep. De La Cruz. "By standing together, we can ensure the protection of vital agricultural interests and uphold the commitments outlined in the treaty."

Last year, a bipartisan resolution (H.Res.683) regarding this matter successfully passed out of the House, indicating broad support for initiatives aimed at resolving this issue.

Prominent groups supporting this legislation said:

“After 51 years of proudly growing and milling sugarcane in Texas, we have no choice but to cease operations after this year’s harvest. Our resilient farmers waited for water from Mexico, but it never arrived. The failure of the U.S. Department of State to obtain the water that is owed from Mexico is devastating Valley ag and soon the cities’ supplies.  The heartbreaking consequence of this failure is real, and if actions are not taken, we won’t be the last. We thank Reps. De La Cruz and Cuellar for leading this effort and urge all Members of Congress to support this legislation.” - Sean Brashear, President and CEO, Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers

“We thank Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and Congressman Henry Cuellar for introducing legislation to help hold Mexico to the terms of the 1944 Water Treaty.  As evidenced with the tragic closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., the negative impact on Texas farmers and ranchers is severe. Failure to hold Mexico accountable and deliver water to our country is having lasting negative impacts on agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley. We support this legislation to resolve this issue and provide water security for Texas agriculture.” - Russell Boening, Texas Farm Bureau President

“We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman De LaCruz and Congressman Cuellar to hold the State Department accountable for the complete failure in adhering to the terms of the 1944 water treaty. This action will at least ensure reporting to congress and shed light on a subject of deep concern for the last 30 years “ - Dale Murden, Texas Citrus Mutual

"For too long, the U.S. State Department has had zero accountability to the citizens of Texas. For decades, they have allowed the once thriving agriculture region of the Rio Grande to become ground zero for the results of their inaction. We thank both Congresswoman De La Cruz and Congressman Cuellar for their efforts to bring responsible oversight, and action, to this issue." - Dante L Galeazzi, President/CEO Texas International Produce Association