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Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has announced a significant development for South Texas farmers. Language included in the Continuing Resolution grants the Secretary of Agriculture authority to provide block grants for economic relief to agricultural producers in South Texas. This measure aims to address economic losses resulting from Mexico's failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.
"Our farmers are the backbone of South Texas, and they have faced tremendous hardship due to Mexico's refusal to fulfill its treaty obligations. These water shortages have devastated crops, cost jobs, and threatened our local economy," stated Congresswoman De La Cruz. "By securing this relief, we are delivering real solutions to the families, businesses, and communities who rely on agriculture to thrive."
The relief language reflects provisions in Congresswoman De La Cruz's South Texas Agricultural Assistance Act introduced in November. This act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide targeted economic aid to agricultural producers in South Texas affected by the water delivery shortfall.
According to the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico, Mexico is obligated to deliver a specific amount of water to the United States. Persistent noncompliance has resulted in severe water shortages for farmers in South Texas, affecting citrus growers, sugar producers, and other key agricultural sectors.