U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) announced a legislative victory after securing the inclusion of a provision in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill that would prohibit U.S. funding from being sent to Mexico until it complies with its water delivery obligations to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty.
The provision requires the U.S. Secretary of State to certify that Mexico is delivering the water it owes to the United States before any designated funds can be released.
Sen. Cornyn said the measure is intended to apply direct pressure on the Mexican government to meet its long-standing treaty commitments, which are critical to South Texas agriculture.
"Until Mexico properly complies with the Water Treaty and delivers the water it owes to the United States, there is no reason American taxpayers should be rewarding their bad behavior," said Cornyn. "This provision is to prevent funding from going to Mexico is yet another tool at our disposal to push for compliance and long overdue water deliveries our farmers and ranchers need."
Under the 1944 treaty governing the use of waters from the Rio Grande, Mexico is required to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually to the United States over a five-year cycle.
However, Mexico has repeatedly delayed its deliveries until the end of each cycle, creating uncertainty for South Texas farmers and ranchers who rely on predictable water access for crops and livestock.
Cornyn has led efforts to address the water shortages. His work has included securing over $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers, pressing the State Department to enforce treaty compliance, and advocating for the restoration of water infrastructure funding through the North American Development Bank.
The funding restriction reflects years of sustained pressure from Cornyn, who has argued that withholding U.S. funds is necessary to compel meaningful action and protect South Texas communities dependent on reliable water supplies.
