Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on House passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, & Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations bill:

“Water is life, and water deliveries from Mexico are essential for South Texas communities to operate and grow. I was pleased to secure language in the FY25 SFOPS appropriations bill that ensures Mexico complies with the delivery terms set in the 1944 Water Treaty,” said Dr. Cuellar. “As a member of Congress, it is my job to ensure communities on the border have an adequate, reliable water supply. While I didn't vote for this bill, I will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to ensure this legislation becomes bipartisan and secure immediate water deliveries from Mexico.”

The language withholds funding for Mexico until the United States and Mexico have entered into an agreement to balance the deficit of water deliveries to the United States. However, this funding does not include assistance for countering the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into the United States.

In the FY25 SFOPS appropriations bill, Dr. Cuellar also secured $250,350,000 for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), an increase of 13% from FY24. The IBWC is responsible for applying the boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico. The Commission manages the Falcon and Amistad international dams and is responsible for other water infrastructure and flood control projects along the U.S.-Mexico border. Funding increases would help ensure the Commission can hire and retain qualified staff and would be used for construction projects to maintain critical infrastructure.

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