Somerset Times

Representatives Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey and Lois Frankel of Florida have taken a step to support businesses impacted by flight restrictions due to Presidential visits. They addressed a letter to the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau. The letter advocates for financial reimbursement to airports and aviation businesses affected by Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during visits from President Trump to residences in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Palm Beach, Florida.

These restrictions have notably diminished operations at Somerset Airport and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport in New Jersey, as well as at Lantana Airport in Florida, particularly during peak flying seasons. This has resulted in significant reductions in airport activities and revenue.

Since the Trump Administration's inception, Congress has allocated $3.5 million annually to aid businesses routinely affected by TFRs, which control airspace access around the President's travels. However, businesses cannot seek reimbursement until the FAA opens a Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. commented, "Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive. I am proud to represent a district with small, family-run airports that play a vital role in our community—and one that the President calls home part-time. While Temporary Flight Restrictions are critical for the President’s safety, they can also impose significant financial hardships on local airports and aviation businesses. That’s why Rep. Frankel and I are urging the FAA to use money that Congress has already provided to reimburse businesses for lost revenue and disrupted operations.”

Rep. Lois Frankel stated, “Protecting the President is a responsibility we all share, regardless of political affiliation. But it’s the federal government—not local businesses or airports—that should bear the cost of these necessary security measures.”

The complete text of the letter is available for review.