U.S. Senator John Boozman released the following statement after an announcement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will consolidate offices including 16 in Arkansas.

“Consolidating offices is commonsense approach to eliminating government waste, fraud and abuse. However, we must ensure that our ability to serve our rural communities and agri-businesses continues with the same commitment. While Arkansans are happy to help put us on the path of fiscal responsibility, they should not be expected to make all of the sacrifices. Washington should be expected to tighten its belt as well.” Boozman said.  “Our office is in the process of reviewing these closures to ensure Arkansas’s needs will continue to be met, and we expect the administration will use these savings to reduce the deficit and not for new spending on other programs in the administration.”