Senator John Cornyn (R) urged the Trump administration to use the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review process to pressure Mexico into complying with the 1944 Water Treaty, arguing that continued violations are harming South Texas farmers.
Cornyn raises water treaty concerns.
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's trade agenda, Sen. Cornyn questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about whether the administration would use the USMCA joint review process to push Mexico to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Cornyn said Mexico has repeatedly failed to fulfill its water delivery commitments, creating ongoing challenges for agricultural producers in South Texas.
Sen. John Cornyn: "Mexico has consistently not lived up to its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty with the United States. Is there any way that the joint review process can reinforce that compliance and accountability for Mexico to help safeguard our farmers in South Texas?"
USMCA review underway
Cornyn also asked Greer about the administration's recent decision to not automatically renew the USMCA during its scheduled joint review.
Greer explained that declining to renew the agreement does not terminate it but instead opens a period for negotiating improvements to the trading relationship.
U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer: "We want to make sure that any beneficial trade between our countries benefits our countries and not a third country like Vietnam or China."
Water treaty tied to trade discussions
Greer indicated that Mexico's compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty could influence future discussions surrounding the USMCA.
He said President Trump expects Mexico to cooperate on multiple issues if the two countries are to maintain a strong trading relationship.
U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer: "The President is going to have a hard time agreeing to renewal or even revisions, if Mexico isn't playing ball in all areas, and the water treaty is one of them."
Protecting South Texas agriculture
Cornyn has repeatedly raised concerns that Mexico's failure to deliver water under the treaty threatens irrigation supplies for South Texas farmers.
His latest comments sought assurances that the administration would use ongoing trade negotiations as leverage to encourage treaty compliance and strengthen accountability.
