De La Cruz Imposes Consequences for Mexico's Refusal to Comply with the 1944 Water Treaty

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for Rio Grande Farmers Act (WATER for Farmers Act). The legislation will impose tariffs on Mexico if they refuse to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. The funds collected from the tariffs will be allocated to the South Texas farmers impacted by missed water deliveries. De La Cruz introduced the legislation alongside Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27), and Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22). Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the legislation in the Senate. "For too long, the Mexican government has refused to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty, and South Texas farmers have faced the consequences. It's time to hold the Mexican government to their agreed-upon water deliveries, and, if not, impose tariffs to support the farmers who have suffered due to their inaction." – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Background: Under the 1944 Water Treaty, the Government of Mexico is required to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water per year to the United States over a five-year cycle. However, consistent delivery delays have resulted in devastating economic consequences for South Texas farmers, including the closure of the last sugar mill in Texas. To address this crisis, the WATER for Farmers Act would impose tariffs on Mexico if the government continues to violate the treaty by withholding obligated water deliveries. The duties collected from these tariffs would fund a new "South Texas Agricultural Compensation Trust Fund" within the U.S. Treasury. At the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, this fund would provide financial compensation to South Texas farmers and producers who have suffered losses due to the Government of Mexico's non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty.