Block grants secured for South Texas farmers amid treaty disputes

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz announced that the Continuing Resolution passed by the House will maintain block grants aimed at providing economic relief to South Texas farmers. This measure seeks to address significant economic losses resulting from Mexico's failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

"South Texas farmers have endured immense hardships due to Mexico's continued violations of the 1944 Water Treaty," stated Congresswoman De La Cruz. "Securing and maintaining these block grants was a top priority because our agricultural producers urgently need this support to recover and rebuild. This victory ensures they have the resources to overcome the challenges caused by Mexico’s treaty violations and continue to thrive. This helps our local farmers and is a win for Texas and the entire nation."

The Secretary of Agriculture can now provide targeted economic aid through these block grants, reflecting provisions from Congresswoman De La Cruz's South Texas Agricultural Assistance Act introduced in November. The act directs similar relief efforts aimed at mitigating impacts from Mexico's noncompliance with its treaty-mandated water deliveries.

Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is required to deliver a specific amount of water to the United States. Continued noncompliance has led to severe water shortages for South Texas farmers, causing devastation to crops, job losses, and threatening the local economy. Key sectors like citrus growers and sugar producers have been particularly affected.