U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has announced the inclusion of a provision in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026 that halts funding to Mexico until the U.S. Secretary of State can confirm that Mexico is delivering water owed under the 1944 Water Treaty.
“Until Mexico properly complies with the Water Treaty and delivers the water it owes the United States, there is no reason American taxpayers should be rewarding their bad behavior,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This provision to prevent funding from going to Mexico is yet another tool at our disposal to push for compliance and the long overdue water deliveries our farmers and ranchers need.”
Senator Cornyn has advocated in Congress for improved water supplies in South Texas and enforcement of Mexico’s treaty obligations. He secured over $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley agricultural producers affected by shortages. Last year, he requested U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio renew efforts to enforce Mexican compliance with the treaty and received a commitment from Rubio to hold Mexico accountable for delays.
Cornyn previously sent a letter urging NADBank to restore its Water Infrastructure Fund, raised concerns after a sugarcane mill closed due to water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomatic efforts, and wrote to then-Secretary of State Blinken regarding treaty violations. He also led correspondence urging House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations to withhold funds from Mexico until an agreement addresses water delivery deficits; this recommendation was included in the House Appropriations Committee’s funding bill. Additionally, Cornyn introduced legislation last year targeting Mexican government accountability on water delivery requirements.
The 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to provide an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over five years as part of Rio Grande supply contributions. However, consistent delays by Mexico until late in each cycle have created challenges for South Texas farmers’ crop planning and ranchers’ livestock management.
Senator Cornyn has held his seat through several elections: he defeated MJ Hegar in 2020 with 53.5% of votes, David Alameel in 2014 with 61.6%, Ron Kirk in 2002 with 55%, and Rick Noriega in 2008 with 54.8%.
