Cruz, Cornyn Propose Law Halting U.S. Water Exports to Mexico

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have introduced legislation aimed at stopping the export of water to Mexico due to the country’s failure to honor its commitments under a 1944 international water treaty. The proposed law would restrict U.S. water deliveries and permit the President to halt engagements with Mexico in specific sectors benefitting from U.S. water.

Cruz and Cornyn’s Legislative Action

The legislation was filed on a Thursday, reflecting the urgency of the situation. Under the current treaty, the U.S. is obligated to deliver 1,500,000 acre-feet of water annually from the Colorado River to Mexico. In return, Mexico must provide 1,750,000 acre-feet of water every five years to the U.S., amounting to 350,000 acre-feet each year from six tributaries.

Water Shortages Impacting Agriculture

• Local farmers and ranchers are facing severe water shortages.
• Reservoir levels hit record lows last year, exacerbating irrigation challenges.
• The last sugar mill in Santa Rosa shut down due to the crisis, though revival plans have been announced.

Senator Cruz criticized the Mexican government’s delays in meeting its treaty obligations, stating that these interruptions have catastrophic effects on Texas agriculture. The most recent five-year cycle ended on October 24, with Mexico owing a significant 865,136 acre-feet of water.

Proposed Changes to the Water Treaty

The new bill seeks to enforce timely delivery of water by requiring Mexico to make minimum annual contributions instead of deferring payments until the end of the five-year term. Following the bill’s enactment, the U.S. Secretary of State would also need to report to Congress within 180 days on Mexico’s compliance with its water delivery commitments.

Consequences for Non-compliance

• If Mexico fails to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet each year, the President would be mandated to deny emergency water delivery requests.
• Exceptions would be granted only for ecological, environmental, or humanitarian emergencies.

Moreover, the bill allows for limiting or ceasing U.S. engagement with Mexico concerning water-dependent sectors. However, engagements related to combating the flow of fentanyl and synthetic drugs would continue.

Broader Implications

Local congressional representatives, including U.S. Reps. Monica De La Cruz and Henry Cuellar, support incorporating the water treaty into upcoming trade negotiations, especially as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement is set for review. Senator Cornyn highlighted the need for increased pressure on Mexico to adhere to the treaty’s requirements.

The introduction of this legislation reflects a growing urgency in addressing the water crisis impacting Texas’ agricultural community and aims to ensure that Mexico meets its obligations under the treaty.