WATER for Farmers Act
Rep. De La Cruz Pushes Bill to Tax Mexican Imports if Water Treaty Targets Are Not Met
The WATER for Farmers Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to three different House committees for review and is not yet scheduled for a vote. The bill is considered active as it moves through these initial committee assignments.
Legislative Progress
While this bill addresses a major regional issue, it currently lacks bipartisan support and involves complex changes to international trade that often face heavy opposition.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Small businesses in the Rio Grande Valley that depend on agriculture, like processing plants and supply companies, could benefit from the compensation fund's consideration of cascading economic impacts. However, small businesses that import goods from Mexico could face higher costs if tariffs are imposed, especially those importing agricultural products. The net effect depends on whether a business is more tied to the local farming economy or to cross-border trade.
“closures of agricultural processing businesses”
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesWater for Farmers Act Would Impose Tariffs on Mexico for Water Delivery Shortfalls
The proposed legislation targets Mexican agricultural and economic goods with tariffs if water delivery obligations under the 1944 treaty are not met. Revenue from these duties would be directed to a South Texas Agricultural Compensation Trust Fund to mitigate farmer losses.
Texas lawmakers push for tariffs on Mexico over water treaty delays
A bipartisan group of Texas representatives is backing the WATER for Farmers Act, arguing that Mexico's practice of withholding water until the end of five-year cycles is unsustainable for the Rio Grande Valley's sugar and citrus industries.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
WATER for Farmers Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.