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Bill

HR 9053

WATER for Farmers Act

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Cloud and 2 co-sponsors

The bill aims to ensure reliable U.S. water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty and create a compensation mechanism for U.S. farmers when shortfalls occur.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9053

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HR 9053
  • Session: 119th United States Congress
  • Title: To ensure the reliable delivery of water to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty, to provide a mechanism to compensate United States agricultural producers for economic losses resulting from delivery shortfalls, and for other purposes.
  • Status: Introduced in the House (May 29, 2026) and referred to multiple committees
    • Referred to: Foreign Affairs (primary)
    • Also referred to: Ways and Means, and Agriculture (with potential for consideration of provisions within their jurisdictions)

Purpose and Intent

  • The core objective is to safeguard the reliable delivery of water to the United States as provided under the 1944 Water Treaty (commonly referring to the U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty related to interstate/ binational water allocation and management).
  • It seeks to establish a mechanism to compensate U.S. agricultural producers for economic losses caused by water delivery shortfalls under the treaty.
  • In essence, the bill aims to address water reliability, compliance with treaty obligations, and financial compensation for affected farmers and agriculture-based stakeholders when delivery volumes fall short.

Key Provisions and Provisions Noted (as described by title and sponsor text)

  • Water Delivery Reliability: Provisions to ensure consistent water deliveries to the United States in accordance with the 1944 Water Treaty obligations.
  • Compensation Mechanism: A framework or program to compensate U.S. agricultural producers for economic losses incurred due to shortfalls in water deliveries.
  • Other Provisions: The title indicates “and for other purposes,” signaling potentially additional related measures or authorities to support treaty compliance, water management, or agricultural relief, though specific provisions are not detailed in the available summary.
  • Jurisdictional Coverage: The bill is referred to committees with jurisdiction over foreign affairs, agriculture, and the fiscal/financial implications handled by Ways and Means, suggesting there may be treaty-related, agricultural, and budgetary components.

Potential Impacts

  • Affected Parties:
    • U.S. agricultural producers and farming operations that rely on treaty-mapped water deliveries.
    • U.S. government agencies responsible for treaty implementation, water management, and related fiscal responsibilities.
  • Economic Effects:
    • Creation of a compensation mechanism could provide financial relief or risk mitigation for farmers facing water delivery shortfalls.
    • Potential implications for federal budgeting and appropriations to fund compensation or related programs (subject to how the compensation mechanism is financed).
  • International/Policy Effects:
    • May influence U.S. compliance posture and negotiation leverage regarding the 1944 Water Treaty with Mexico.
    • Could pave the way for administrative or diplomatic tools to address cross-border water delivery disputes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: May 29, 2026
  • Committee Action: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, with additional referrals to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Agriculture for provisions within their jurisdiction.
  • Next Steps: The bill would proceed through committee deliberations, potential markups, and floor consideration. Any budgetary provisions would likely involve the Ways and Means Committee and potential appropriation actions.

Note on Details

  • The available information provides the bill’s title, sponsor and co-sponsors (including Monica De La Cruz, Michael Cloud, and Troy Nehls), and its initial referral actions. The specific text of provisions, funding levels, eligible recipient criteria, calculation methods for compensation, and implementation timelines would be detailed in the bill’s full text and subsequent committee reports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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