Somerset Times

(March 14, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) has reintroduced the Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act. This bipartisan bill aims to allow the Secret Service to reimburse state and local law enforcement and fire departments for their assistance in protecting President Trump at his residences in Florida, New Jersey, or New York. The need for such reimbursement became apparent following an assassination attempt on President Trump on July 13, 2024.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) joins Congressman Kean as a co-lead on this initiative. The act was initially introduced by Congressman Kean in the last Congress after the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Trump's residence at Trump National Bedminster is located within New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

“The Secret Service relies on strong collaboration with local law enforcement to fulfill its mission effectively,” said Congressman Kean. “Currently, much of that responsibility falls on small-town taxpayers and local budgets. We must ensure our local law enforcement has the resources they need to do their job successfully. That is why I am reintroducing this commonsense legislation—to ensure the necessary funding is readily available to support every security operation.”

Congresswoman Frankel emphasized the financial strain on local communities: “Local communities operate with limited budgets, and diverting critical resources to cover the cost of protecting the President significantly impacts their capabilities. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Kean, Jr., ensuring much-needed federal support so local law enforcement agencies are fully reimbursed for these essential expenses.”

Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs highlighted the financial challenges faced by small towns like his: “When the Secret Service requested additional law enforcement, fire, and first aid resources from our township to help secure Trump National Golf Club, we recognized the importance of supporting their mission to protect all residents—including the President,” he said. “However, the financial burden of this request, which could easily reach six figures, is simply too much for a small town like ours to bear alone."

Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino also expressed concerns about local financial burdens: “At the request of the federal government, Palm Beach County has consistently stepped up to ensure that President Trump has the best security protection available anytime he is in residence in our community,” she stated. “We consider it an honor to serve and protect our President; however, our tax paying community cannot continue to foot the bill for this very costly service."

The full text of the bill can be found through official channels.