Kean, Frankel Send Letter to FAA Advocating for Businesses Affected by Presidential Flight Restrictions

(April 2, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, advocating for the reimbursement of airports and aviation businesses affected by Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during President Trump's visits to his residences in Bedminster, New Jersey and Palm Beach, Florida.

Temporary Flight Restrictions have significantly impacted operations at Somerset Airport and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport in New Jersey, as well as Lantana Airport in Florida. These restrictions, particularly during peak flying seasons, have led to notable declines in airport activity and revenue losses.

Since the first Trump Administration, Congress has appropriated $3.5 million annually to compensate businesses that are regularly affected by TFRs, which temporarily limit airspace access when the President is traveling within a designated radius. However, before affected businesses can apply for reimbursement, the FAA must open a Notice of Funding Opportunity.

"Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive," said Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. "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."

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

The full text of the letter from Representatives Kean and Frankel is available HERE.

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