Chairman Díaz-Balart Holds Oversight Briefing on Mexico's Water Treaty Violations and the Impact on Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) convened a bipartisan Member briefing today on Mexico’s failure to meet its water delivery obligations to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty. Members heard remarks from: Congresswowan Monica De La Cruz, representing the 15th district of Texas; Jed Murray, the Director of Government Relations for the Texas International Produce Association; Dale Murden, a grower and President of Texas Citrus Mutual; and Jennifer Cervantes, the Washington Representative for the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers.

Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said: “As Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, my top priority is protecting American interests at home and abroad. Mexico’s failure to uphold its legal obligations has significant negative impacts on American farmers, which strains our bilateral relationship with Mexico. Moreover, this issue underscores Mexico’s alarming political trajectory and increasing unwillingness to cooperate on matters directly impacting Americans.”

The 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. annually, while the U.S. provides Mexico with 1.5 million acre-feet from the Colorado River. However, Mexico has regularly failed to fulfill its delivery obligations, leading to significant agricultural and economic impacts on the United States.

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