San Antonio Corridor News

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz of Texas's 15th District publicly expressed her appreciation for former President Donald Trump's efforts to ensure that the Mexican government fulfills its obligation to deliver over a million acre-feet of water owed to South Texas.

De La Cruz stated, "Thank you, President Trump, for holding the Mexican government accountable for the water they owe South Texans. As one of the largest agricultural producing states, any impact on Texas ag will impact our entire country. I will always fight for South Texas farmers and producers to secure the critical water resources we are owed."

The context surrounds a dispute under the 1944 Water Treaty, where the Mexican government is obligated to deliver water to Texas. President Trump addressed this issue, emphasizing the adverse impact on Texan farmers. He remarked, "Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation. This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly." Trump indicated halting water shipments to Tijuana as leverage and mentioned potential tariffs or sanctions unless Mexico complies with the treaty.

Congresswoman De La Cruz has actively addressed this water dispute since her tenure in Congress. She introduced H.Res. 71 to criticize the Mexican government for its consistent failure to provide the necessary water deliveries. Moreover, she has sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing the necessity of accountability by Mexico in ongoing trade discussions.

Early in the year, De La Cruz collaborated with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Senator Ted Cruz to secure $280 million in aid for South Texas farmers, distributed via the United States Department of Agriculture.