WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his provision granting the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture the authority to issue block grants to farmers and ranchers in South Texas who have been impacted by Mexico’s failure to provide water as obligated by the 1944 Water Treaty was signed into law as part of the government funding bill:  

“I am relieved that this provision to authorize grants to South Texas farmers and ranchers has been signed into law,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Mexico’s repeated delayed water deliveries and refusal to live up to its obligations in the 1944 Water Treaty have devastated South Texas farmers and ranchers for far too long, and this new authority will help provide much-needed economic relief to agriculture communities in South Texas.”

Background:

This measure was included in the continuing resolution, which Senator Cornyn supported.  

Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers and ranchers from being able to plan for and grow crops. As of November 2024, Mexico is behind approximately 980,000 acre-feet on water deliveries.

Sen. Cornyn has repeatedly worked to boost Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. Earlier this year, he led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries. In May, Sen. Cornyn cosponsored legislation led by Sen. Cruz to enhance support for U.S. diplomats and officials seeking to secure Mexican compliance. Sen. Cornyn has also personally engaged with Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the phone multiple times and by letter.