U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced the distribution of over $280 million in emergency assistance for South Texas farmers and ranchers affected by drought conditions. This funding is part of a grant program that was secured by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Sen. Cornyn, and others last year.
“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,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I was proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins and lead several of my colleagues from Texas in the mission to secure this funding, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump administration and state leaders to provide every resource necessary for our agriculture community.”
Senator Cornyn has been active in Congress advocating for Texas’ water supply needs and ensuring Mexico meets its treaty obligations regarding water deliveries. In addition to securing emergency funds for Rio Grande Valley agricultural producers, he requested U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this year to press Mexico on compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty.
Last year, Senators Cornyn and Cruz raised concerns when a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to severe water shortages. They co-sponsored a resolution supporting diplomatic efforts and sent a letter urging then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken to address Mexico’s treaty violations.
Under an international treaty concerning water use from the Colorado, Tijuana Rivers, and Rio Grande, Mexico must deliver an average of 350,000-acre feet of water annually over five years as part of its contribution to the Rio Grande’s supply. However, delays have hindered South Texas farmers’ planning abilities while impacting ranchers’ livestock needs. The current cycle ends in October with less than half of Mexico’s obligation fulfilled according to IBWC data.
