Cornyn Announces U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Tariff Legislation

Cornyn Announces U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Tariff Legislation News Cornyn Announces U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Tariff Legislation May 13, 2026 Water shortages created by Mexico's failure to follow this treaty have wreaked havoc on the ability of farmers and ranchers to plan and to tend their crops, which has in turn, had a terrible economic cost on our entire state. I'm introducing legislation called the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers or WATER for Farmers Act, which will impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if they continue in their delinquency. WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) previewed that he will introduce the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act , or WATER for Farmers Act, which would impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if the country continues to violate the 1944 Water Treaty by refusing to send the water they owe to the United States. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here . “Water shortages created by Mexico’s failure to follow this treaty have wreaked havoc on the ability of farmers and ranchers to plan and to tend their crops, which has in turn had a terrible economic cost on our entire state.” “Further delay of water deliveries could result in bankruptcies, land auctions, more lost jobs, supply chain disruptions, and higher prices at the grocery store for Americans around the country. I’m grateful to Secretary Rubio, the Secretary of State, and Secretary Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their leadership on this issue and for their willingness to engage with Mexico and, indeed, put pressure on them to hold up their end of the bargain, but South Texas farmers cannot wait.” “The carrot approach is clearly not working, so now it’s time to bring out the sticks. For this reason, I’m introducing legislation called the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers or WATER for Farmers Act, which will impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if they continue in their delinquency.” “While this may seem like an extraordinary measure, Mexico has had ample time to make things right.” “By imposing severe tariffs on Mexico, I hope they will pick up the pace and begin delivering the water that they are already committed to deliver so that South Texas farmers and ranchers will have the predictability they need.”