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Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the delivery of drought relief funding to South Texas. The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Mission, Texas. The funds, totaling $280 million, are provided through the 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program.
Congresswoman De La Cruz emphasized the importance of this funding for Texas farmers and ranchers who have faced significant losses due to Mexico's non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty. "The $280 million in funding is critical for Texas farmers and ranchers after suffering severe losses due to the Government of Mexico's refusal to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. I am proud to have secured these funds and deliver solutions for the families, businesses, and communities that rely on Texas agriculture to thrive," she stated.
Commissioner Sid Miller expressed his support for Congresswoman De La Cruz's efforts. "This $280 million is a lifeline, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz to help agriculture producers along the Rio Grande stay in business, pay their bills, and keep putting food on our tables. Congresswoman De La Cruz, her staff, and my agency have worked tirelessly to deliver this much-needed relief, and we are thrilled to announce that it’s finally here," he said.
Senator John Cornyn also commented on the assistance provided through this program. "The delivery of $280 million in drought assistance to South Texas will provide much-needed relief to farmers and ranchers in the Valley who have suffered from Mexico’s repeated refusal to provide the water it owes under the Water Treaty. I was proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins and lead several of my colleagues from Texas in the mission to secure this funding," he noted.
The 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program is designed to aid farmers and ranchers affected by Mexico's failure to supply water as required by treaty obligations. The funds come from a grant agreement between the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), secured through legislation included in the American Relief Act by Congresswoman De La Cruz.