Expressing support for the diplomatic relations required to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill its water deliveries on an annual basis to the United States under the treaty between the United States and Mexico regarding the utilization of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.
H. Res. 273 is a non-binding House resolution introduced by Representative De La Cruz. It expresses support for the diplomatic efforts necessary to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill its annual water deliveries to the United States under the 1944 treaty governing the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and the Rio Grande. The treaty obligates Mexico to deliver an average of not less than 350,000 acre-feet of water each year, calculated over a 5-year cycle. The resolution highlights concerns that Mexico has sometimes waited until the end of the cycle to meet its obligation and notes that South Texas farmers are experiencing water shortages as a result. The resolution calls for renewed commitments to ensure that the United States receives the annual deliveries of at least 350,000 acre-feet per year.
Key Points
- 1The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of at least 350,000 acre-feet of water annually, calculated over a 5-year cycle.
- 2Mexico has reportedly waited until the end of the 5-year cycle to fulfill this commitment, leading to periodic shortfalls.
- 3The resolution states that the United States should pursue (through diplomatic channels) efforts to encourage Mexico to meet annual delivery obligations.
- 4It acknowledges ongoing water shortages for farmers in south Texas.
- 5It calls for new commitments to guarantee annual deliveries of at least 350,000 acre-feet, recognizing this is a non-binding expression of Congress and does not enact new law or fund new programs.