Senator Adam Hinojosa Celebrates Passage of First Bill SCR 13

For Immediate Release Contact: Isreal Salinas
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 512-463-0127
Senator Adam Hinojosa Celebrates Passage of First Bill SCR 13
Urges Federal Action to Ensure Mexico’s Compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty
Austin, TX — Senator Adam Hinojosa, representing Senate District 27, announced the successful
passage of his first legislative measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 (SCR 13), out of the Texas
Senate. SCR 13 urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water
Commission (IBWC) to take immediate diplomatic action to ensure Mexico fulfills its obligations under
the critical 1944 US-Mexico Water Treaty.
The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually to Texas over
five-year cycles. However, Mexico has repeatedly delayed these deliveries, creating severe water
shortages that threaten agricultural production and economic stability in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
Currently, Mexico owes the U.S. more than 730,000 acre-feet of water for this cycle alone.
“The passage of SCR 13 sends a clear message that Texas will not tolerate prolonged delays or shortfalls
in water deliveries,” Senator Hinojosa stated. “Waiting until the eleventh hour to release water means our
farmers struggle unnecessarily for four out of every five years. Every drop matters, and we cannot afford
to let our farms and communities suffer.”
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the RGV economy, generating nearly $1 billion annually and supporting
thousands of local jobs. Recent studies estimate potential economic losses exceeding $993 million if
irrigation water shortages continue. The region has already experienced significant impacts, including
reduced crop production and the closure of critical businesses, such as Texas’ only sugar mill.
SCR 13 enjoys broad bipartisan support from senators across Texas who recognize the urgency and
importance of this issue. Senator Hinojosa emphasized that timely compliance with treaty obligations is
essential for sustaining Texas’ municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
“This resolution is about safeguarding livelihoods and protecting our state’s economic future,” Senator
Hinojosa added. “We urge our federal partners to prioritize this issue in diplomatic negotiations with
Mexico.”
SCR 13 now advances to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration.