He addressed the shortfalls to Texas under the 1944 Water Treaty.
President Donald Trump threatened this past week to impose more tariffs and possible sanctions against Mexico if the southern nation does not share missing water according to the 1944 Water Treaty.
“Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation,” President Trump stated. “This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly.”
The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs brought attention to the issue last month, stating, “Mexico’s continued shortfalls in its water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty are decimating American agriculture—particularly farmers in the Rio Grande valley. As a result, today for the first time, the U.S. will deny Mexico’s non-treaty request for a special delivery channel for Colorado River water to be delivered to Tijuana.”
President Biden’s administration had sought to renegotiate the treaty with Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to President Trump’s statement admitting that Mexico had not kept up with those water commitments but said that Mexico had sent a proposal for a future water management agreement.
President Sheinbaum said that her nation has complied “to the extent water is available“ citing a three-year drought. She added, “The International Boundary and Water Commission has continued its work to identify mutually beneficial solutions.”
According to a translation, the Mexican president continued, “I have instructed the Secretaries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, to immediately contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State. I am confident that, as on other issues, an agreement will be reached.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for President Trump as he seeks to ensure adequate water for Texas agriculture.
- For discernment for the president and secretary of state as they address Mexico’s shortfall under the treaty.
Sources: The Hill, Townhall
