Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB4253

Introduced
5/2/24  

Caption

A bill to ensure that United States diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission are able to advance efforts seeking compliance by the United Mexican States with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

Impact

The introduction of SB4253 emphasizes the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to ensure water supply to U.S. territories as mandated by the treaty. The bill highlights the historical basis of the treaty while addressing modern challenges that have emerged due to regional water scarcity. By directing the Secretary of State to take active steps using diplomatic tools, the bill seeks to reinforce the importance of bilateral negotiations to ensure timely and adequate water delivery from Mexico. It establishes a clear framework for accountability and sets expectations for future compliance, which could have significant impacts on agricultural production and economic stability in affected areas.

Summary

SB4253 is a legislative bill aimed at ensuring that U.S. diplomats and officials from the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission have the necessary means to advance compliance efforts under the 1944 Treaty concerning the utilization of waters from the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and the Rio Grande. The bill is a direct response to ongoing water shortages in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which have been exacerbated by inadequacies in Mexico's compliance with its obligations under the treaty. According to findings within the bill, Mexico is significantly behind in its water deliveries, putting the agricultural economy of the region at risk, especially as concerns rise over direct revenue losses due to these shortages.

Contention

The bill's passage may not come without contention. Critics might raise concerns about the implications of relying heavily on diplomatic channels to enforce treaty compliance, potentially leading to friction in U.S.-Mexico relations. Additionally, as agricultural stakeholders voice their grievances over water shortages, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of existing frameworks in the treaty to handle modern-day scenarios. Ensuring compliance from the Mexican government could prove challenging, especially given the reported failures to meet agreed-upon water distribution volumes over recent years. As such, discussions around the bill may reflect broader themes of international resource management and interstate cooperation.

Companion Bills

US SB2969

Related A bill to ensure that United States diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission are able to advance efforts seeking compliance by the United Mexican States with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

US HB7468

Related To ensure that United States diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission are able to advance efforts seeking compliance by the United Mexican States with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

Previously Filed As

US HB7468

To ensure that United States diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission are able to advance efforts seeking compliance by the United Mexican States with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

US SB2969

A bill to ensure that United States diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission are able to advance efforts seeking compliance by the United Mexican States with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

US SR379

A resolution expressing support for the diplomatic relations required to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill water deliveries on an annual basis to the United States under the Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico respecting the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

US HR273

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.

US HR683

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.

US HR71

This resolution condemns the Mexican government for not fulfilling annual water deliveries to the United States under a 1944 treaty between the United States and Mexico respecting utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

US SCR13

Urging the U.S. Department of State and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to take appropriate action to ensure that Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty regarding shared water resources.

US HCR77

Urging the U.S. Department of State and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to take appropriate action to ensure that Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty regarding shared water resources.

US HB387

Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to submit a report to Congress on USDA assistance available for agricultural producers in Texas related to Mexico's non-compliance with a 1944 treaty with the United States concerning water utilization. Specifically, the USDA report must list all of the existing USDA authorities and programs that are or could be made available to provide assistance to agricultural producers in Texas that have suffered economic losses due to Mexico not delivering water to the United States in accordance with the Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, including the Supplementary Protocol.

US HCR135

Urging the International Boundary and Water Commission to follow the terms of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.