[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ENCOURAGING MEXICO'S COMPLIANCE WITH WATER TREATY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. De La Cruz) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to address a 
critical issue that is affecting the livelihoods of countless Americans 
across south Texas. The drought conditions and water scarcity we are 
witnessing in the Rio Grande Valley are causing untold hardships for 
our farmers and our residents.
  As stipulated in the Mexican Water Treaty of 1944, Mexico is 
obligated to provide the United States with an average of 350,000 acre-
feet of water annually over a 5-year cycle. Unfortunately, Mexico has 
consistently delayed fulfilling this commitment, leaving American 
farmers in dire straits.
  This year, south Texas farmers are poised to plant their crops, but 
they need water now. Without it, they face the prospect of harvesting 
only half of what they would yield in a typical year.
  This has far-reaching consequences, impacting our national food 
supply, increasing food costs for families, and heightening our 
dependency on foreign agriculture.
  Moreover, communities in south Texas are now facing water 
restrictions, exacerbating the strain on families and businesses alike.
  The Mexican Government bears a responsibility to honor the terms of 
this treaty. American farmers and ranchers should not bear the burden 
of Mexico's failure to uphold its end of the bargain.
  I implore the Biden administration to take immediate action and hold 
Mexico accountable. Failure to convene official meetings addressing 
this issue will result in catastrophic consequences for south Texas 
farmers.
  Just last week, I had the privilege of introducing a bipartisan House 
resolution aimed at bolstering diplomatic relations to encourage 
Mexico's compliance with the Mexican Water Treaty of 1944. This 
historic resolution underscores our support for negotiations that 
ensure more predictable water deliveries to the United States, and it 
urges new commitments to guarantee at least 350,000 acre-feet of water 
are delivered annually.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to my colleagues from both sides of the 
aisle who have cosponsored this crucial resolution.
  I also thank all the local officials from my community who have been 
working closely with me on this matter.
  Together, we are sending a powerful message: Clean water is not a 
partisan issue. This is an American issue.
  Through collaboration and diplomatic engagement, we can forge a 
framework for responsible water management that benefits both of our 
great Nations.
  Let us stand united in ensuring that the promises of the Mexican 
Water Treaty of 1944 are not just ink on paper but a lifeline for the 
American farmers who feed our Nation.

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