Congressman Gonzalez Meets with Top Mexican Officials on Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation to Mexico City
Discussed Efforts to Expand Trade, Address Insecurity, and Assure Water Delivery with President Obrador and President-Elect Sheinbaum
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) participated in a bipartisan delegation to Mexico City, engaging in critical discussions with Mexican officials regarding the longstanding water debt owed to the United States. Congressman Gonzalez also discussed ways to grow trade with South Texas and the insecurity in Mexico.
“South Texas and Mexico share deep cultural and economic ties. It was an honor to be part of this bipartisan delegation and explore how we can continue to further these bonds,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “In particular, it was an honor to speak with President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum on key issues affecting South Texas. We spoke at length on how her incoming administration can work with the U.S. to ensure South Texas receives the water payments that we are owed, and how we can continue to expand trade across South Texas, while addressing insecurity in Mexico.”
The delegation led by Senator Tom Carper (DE) included Senators Laphonza Butler (CA), Mark Kelly (AZ.), and Todd Young (IN), as well as Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). They met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum to address important issues regarding U.S.-Mexico relations.
Under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the United States over a five-year cycle. However, with the current cycle ending in October 2025, Mexico has paid just over one year’s worth of water, exacerbating water shortages in South Texas. The Rio Grande, a vital water source for millions of residents and farmers, has seen significant depletion, leading to severe economic impacts. Earlier this year, the closure of Texas’ only sugar mill stressed the importance of sufficient and timely water deliveries from Mexico for farmers and communities across South Texas.
The delegation’s meetings underscored the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations and finding ways to expand trade and address insecurity in Mexico. Congressman Gonzalez remains committed to advocating for the needs of his constituents and securing the resources necessary for the prosperity and well-being of South Texans.
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