U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn from Texas have issued a joint statement regarding the closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.'s sugarcane mill due to acute water shortages. The senators expressed their concerns over Mexico's failure to fulfill its water treaty obligations, stating that this failure is having disastrous consequences on farmers and ranchers in South Texas.
In their statement, the senators emphasized the need for Mexico to comply with the 1944 Treaty of Utilization of Waters, with Cruz and Cornyn warning that more closures like the sugarcane mill could follow unless Mexico takes action. They called the current situation "unsustainable and unacceptable," urging the U.S. government to use diplomatic tools to ensure Mexico's compliance. The senators also pledged to continue supporting the agriculture community in South Texas, which is suffering from a lack of water.
Senator Cruz had previously introduced a resolution highlighting Texas farmers' water shortages and supporting diplomatic efforts to ensure Mexico's compliance with its treaty obligations. In October, Cruz's amendment requiring the Secretary of State to employ American diplomacy to secure Mexican compliance gained majority bipartisan support but failed to clear a filibuster.
The closure of the sugarcane mill serves as a stark reminder of the impact of water shortages on the agricultural sector in South Texas and the importance of international agreements being upheld. The senators' call for Mexico to fulfill its treaty obligations reflects the pressing need for cooperation to address water scarcity issues affecting both sides of the border.