Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The announcement of $280 million in federal aid intended for Rio Grande Valley farmers has sparked controversy, despite broad agreement that the funding represents at least a positive initial step to assist farmers suffering due to prolonged drought and Mexico’s failure to comply with water treaty obligations.
De La Cruz Applauds Administration’s Firm Stance
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) strongly praised the Trump administration for denying Mexico’s request for additional water allocations. Highlighting Mexico’s non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty, De La Cruz commended President Trump’s decision, saying:
“Thank you, President Trump, for taking decisive action to hold the Government of Mexico accountable. It is unacceptable and unfair to send our water resources to help Mexican farmers while they refuse to comply in sending us water for our South Texas farmers. This is a critical step in the right direction.”
De La Cruz has positioned herself as instrumental in securing the $280 million funding through the end-of-year continuing resolution passed in December 2024, emphasizing her role in championing local agricultural producers. She introduced the South Texas Agriculture Emergency Assistance Act, authorizing funds specifically to offset losses due to Mexico’s treaty violations, ultimately securing the funds signed into law.
Gonzalez Demands Bipartisan Recognition
Conversely, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) sharply criticized the administration and congressional Republicans for what he sees as an attempt to claim undue credit. Gonzalez pointedly clarified:
“Let’s be clear: this funding comes from the December 2024 stop-gap appropriations bill, which passed Congress thanks to Democratic votes and was signed into law by the previous administration.”
While Gonzalez welcomed the funding as long overdue support for agricultural producers facing severe drought, he described the funds as a temporary fix, insufficient for addressing systemic problems facing farmers in South Texas. He strongly expressed frustration at the administration’s perceived politicization of an issue historically marked by bipartisan cooperation:
“I am appalled that the current administration and their congressional allies are not giving credit where credit is due. This is a shameful attempt to pull the wool over South Texans’ eyes.”
Shared Goal, Divergent Narratives
The controversy reflects political tensions in South Texas, where water shortages and agricultural hardships are immediate and urgent issues. Although there is agreement on the funding’s importance, the sharp divide stems from the differing narratives about how the money was secured and who deserves credit.
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will oversee the distribution of funds to farmers who experienced water losses in 2023 and 2024, offering critical short-term relief. Eligible producers must possess the necessary water-diversion certificates from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Although debates over credit and partisanship continue, both sides recognize that the funding itself—while limited—is undeniably beneficial. Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley, facing severe economic pressure from drought conditions and Mexico’s non-compliance with water-sharing agreements, will soon receive much-needed relief.
Yet, as Congressman Gonzalez emphasizes, a longer-term solution remains essential:
“This band-aid won’t help for long. It’s past time Congress pass the Farm Bill and regular appropriations bills.”
Thus, while the controversy highlights deep political divisions, the funding remains a rare point of consensus: a small but significant step toward stability for South Texas agriculture.
