SAN JUAN, Texas (Border Report) — Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas, are hosting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for a roundtable discussion Monday on drought and the lack of water payments from Mexico to South Texas.
Rollins is expected to hear from several farmers and ranchers and agricultural leaders on how the prolonged lack of rain, and dwindling water in the Rio Grande Valley has been affecting area crops. The event is being held at Rio Fresh Inc., a produce wholesaler in the border town of San Juan.
Under a 1944 international treaty, Mexico owes the United States 1.75 million acre-feet of water during 5-year cycles. The current cycle ends in October, however Mexico has only paid 488,000 acre feet of water to the Rio Grande, according to the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission.
De La Cruz, R-Texas, in January introduced a resolution to condemn Mexico for what she calls its “consistent failure to fulfill water deliveries” and comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. She has advocated sanctions against the country until the water is paid.
A news conference will be held for media starting around 12:30 p.m. CDT.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
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