Press Releases

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has taken a formidable stance on the ongoing water treaty issues with Mexico, emphasizing the urgent need for Mexico to comply with its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. Together with Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), she has formally requested a follow-up meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai following the ambassador’s testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.

For decades, Mexico has failed to deliver the agreed-upon 350,000-acre feet of water per year to the United States, impacting the agricultural viability of South Texas, particularly amid severe drought conditions. Currently, the owed water volume has accumulated to over 750,000-acre feet, marking the highest delinquency at this point in the five-year cycle.

“This water crisis is crippling our agricultural producers and jeopardizing our local economy. With the loss of the last operating sugar mill in Texas resulting in 500 job cuts and potentially devastating the citrus industry, it is imperative that we address this issue without delay,” De La Cruz said in a statement.

The congresswoman’s continued calls to action and engagements at the highest levels of the American government highlights the gravity of the situation, which could result in nearly $1 billion in lost annual economic activity for the Rio Grande Valley, affecting not only local jobs and crop lands but also leading to increased food prices across the nation.

Congresswoman De La Cruz is adamant that with coordinated efforts from the U.S. State Department and other government entities, Mexico’s compliance can be enforced. “Our community cannot afford any more setbacks. We must secure the water that rightfully belongs to our farmers and ensure the sustainability of our agricultural sector,” she affirmed.

Read the letter here.