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.

Bill Number

H.Res. 273

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-05-19T19:37:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 273) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for diplomatic efforts to urge Mexico to deliver water to the United States on an annual basis, as required under a 1944 treaty. The treaty governs the shared use of waters from the Colorado River, Tijuana River, and Rio Grande between the two countries. The resolution highlights ongoing delays in Mexico's deliveries and water shortages affecting U.S. farmers.

Key Provisions

• Support for Diplomacy: The House supports diplomatic relations aimed at encouraging Mexico to meet its annual water delivery obligations under the 1944 treaty.
• Encouragement of Timely Compliance: It urges Mexico to fulfill its commitments each year, rather than waiting until the end of a five-year cycle.
• Acknowledgment of Shortages: The resolution recognizes that farmers in south Texas are facing water shortages due to these delays.
• Call for New Commitments: It encourages agreements to ensure the U.S. receives at least 350,000 acre-feet (a measure of water volume equivalent to about 114 billion gallons) of water annually under the treaty.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it does not amend or create new laws. It reaffirms the existing 1944 treaty (formally the "Treaty Between the United States and Mexico Regarding the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande") without introducing legal changes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of State may use this resolution to strengthen diplomatic negotiations with Mexico, potentially leading to more consistent bilateral talks on water sharing.
• On Citizens: Farmers and communities in south Texas could benefit from more reliable water supplies for agriculture, reducing shortages that affect irrigation and local economies.
• On International Relations: It may pressure Mexico to adhere more strictly to the treaty, fostering cooperation on transboundary water issues but risking tensions if perceived as confrontational.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Farmers and Agricultural Communities: Particularly in south Texas, who rely on Rio Grande water for farming and face economic losses from shortages.
• U.S. and Mexican Governments: Including the U.S. State Department and Mexico's equivalent agencies, responsible for treaty implementation.
• Border Region Residents: Communities along the U.S.-Mexico border affected by water management decisions.
• Environmental and Water Management Groups: Organizations involved in monitoring river flows and sustainable use of shared resources.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces the 1944 treaty's obligations without altering them; the treaty remains the binding international agreement, enforced through diplomacy rather than U.S. domestic law.
• Constitutional: As a House resolution, it falls within Congress's powers to express views on foreign policy (under Article I of the U.S. Constitution), but it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval.
• Political: Signals bipartisan concern over water security in a key agricultural region, potentially influencing future U.S.-Mexico negotiations or trade discussions; it could highlight vulnerabilities in cross-border resource sharing amid climate change and growing water demands.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-03-31: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-31: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• 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. — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (2 pages)