Branded Blog

Holding Mexico Accountable for Texas Farmers

By Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) 

Under the 1944 Water Treaty, the United States and Mexico agreed to share the waters of the Rio Grande River.
 
In turn, Mexico is obligated to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. annually. This delivery is vital to irrigation, farming, and municipal use in the Rio Grande Valley and helps generate billions in economic productivity for South Texas.
 
However, Mexico has regularly failed to fulfill its annual delivery commitments.
 
As of February 2025, Mexico owes the U.S. over one million acre-feet of water for this current five-year cycle. To put it into perspective, this is enough to supply the water needs of Houston, the largest city in Texas, for over 3 years.
 
It is simply unacceptable. Now that we are in year five of the current cycle, the entire Rio Grande Valley region, particularly the agricultural sector, is facing hardship while the Mexican government shows no progress toward making their deliveries.
 
Every day, the impacts of Mexico’s inaction worsen. The lack of water forced the last sugar mill in Texas to halt production and caused 500 Americans to lose their jobs. This closure leaves just two remaining regions in the U.S. with the ability to produce sugar.
 
As one of the largest agricultural-producing states, any impact on Texas agriculture causes a ripple effect across the country.
 
In Congress, I have led efforts to bring this fight to the national stage and advocate for the resources Texas farmers desperately need. I introduced H.Res. 71 to condemn the Government of Mexico for failing to fulfill its annual water deliveries. Additionally, I sent a letter to Secretary Rubio urging the Administration to hold Mexico accountable for the water they owe the U.S. as part of the ongoing trade negotiations.
 
The impacts on Texas agriculture will inevitably lead to severe supply chain disruptions – creating an even greater dependence on imports to satisfy demand and overall higher grocery prices for American families. This isn’t just a Texas issue, but a cause for national concern; food security is national security.
 
We must hold Mexico accountable for their failures and ensure they deliver the overdue water that Texas farmers desperately need. I will continue to advocate for my community and ensure the needs of South Texas are a priority in Congress.