Cornyn, Cruz: Help is on the way for South Texas farmers and ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz say they have stepped in to help South Texas farmers and ranchers impacted by Mexico’s failure to comply with its water sharing treaty obligations.

They say the help came through the passage of a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 14, 2025.

“I voted for this resolution to ensure our government remains fully operational and ready to hit the ground running on day one of President Trump’s administration. The American people made their voices loud and clear—they support bold, decisive change. This funding measure allows Congress to immediately get to work confirming President Trump’s nominees and implement the policies Texans and Americans overwhelmingly voted for,” Sen. Cruz said.

“I am pleased to have secured critical relief for Texans in this bill. I championed a provision that ensures South Texas agricultural producers suffering from Mexico’s blatant failure to meet its obligations under the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande Rivers. This funding will provide immediate relief for hardworking Texans.”

Cornyn said he included a provision in the government funding bill that grants the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture the authority to issue block grants to South Texas farmers and ranchers.  

“I am relieved that this provision to authorize grants to South Texas farmers and ranchers has been signed into law,” Cornyn said. “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.”

Both Cornyn and Cruz voted for the continuing resolution.

Cornyn pointed out that 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, he said Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle. This, Cornyn said, 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 provided news reporters with background information on his efforts 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, Cornyn organized a letter signed by numerous members of Congress 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. 

Cornyn has also personally engaged with Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the phone multiple times and by letter. 

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