Somerset Times

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) has introduced the Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024, a bill designed to authorize the Secret Service to reimburse state and local governments for services, personnel, equipment, and facilities used during security operations.

The legislation follows an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024. In response to this incident, the Secret Service has called for enhanced protections for past presidents and presidential candidates during travel and increased security measures at major public events. Currently, when the Secret Service uses local resources for additional security, the costs are borne by local governments without reimbursement, straining their budgets.

Trump National Bedminster is located in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

“The Secret Service can fully accomplish their mission when they have robust partnerships with local law enforcement agencies,” said Congressman Kean. “Currently, a significant amount of that partnership is funded by small-town taxpayers and local budgets. I wrote this commonsense legislation to ensure that adequate resources are readily available to supplement each and every security plan. The Secret Service protects American leaders and must execute that function flawlessly every day."

Larry Jacobs, Mayor of Bedminster, expressed his support: “I recently called Congressman Kean when the Secret Service made a request of our township for additional law enforcement resources to supplement the protection around Trump National Golf Club and to dedicate township fire and first aid resources to the property. Bedminster has always been willing to step up and answer the call to keep every resident in our town safe, and that includes the former President. We fully appreciate the Secret Service’s request, especially in light of the July 13th assassination attempt. However, this request could easily run into six figures and is simply too much for our small town to foot. The Congressman’s ‘Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024’ is the exact solution to bridge the gap that my town, and I am sure towns across our country are experiencing in these unique circumstances. I thank Congressman Kean for leading to get this fixed.”

Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson also voiced her support: “Somerset County is always ready to support the Secret Service when needed to protect a President or other dignitary, and understands the vital role local law enforcement and first responders play. Mobilizing at the levels required often comes at significant fiscal cost to local governments and we are fully on board with this legislation to authorize reimbursements to local law enforcement for their patriotic services.”

State Senator Doug Steinhardt emphasized urgency: “We cannot allow government bureaucracy to play politics with the safety of high-profile leaders. The near-assassination of former President Trump was an awful wakeup call that security measures and partnerships need to be fortified. I will be working hard to make sure all levels of government are working in lockstep to keep President Trump safe at Bedminster.”

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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