Skip to Content

Press Releases

Reps. Frankel, Kean, Jr. Urge FAA to Reimburse Businesses Affected by Presidential Flight Restrictions

Washington, DC – This week, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07) urged Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau to provide reimbursement to airports and businesses affected by Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during President Trump’s visits to his residences in Palm Beach, Florida, and Bedminster, New Jersey. Impacted facilities include Palm Beach County Park Airport (Lantana Airport) and airports in the Bedminster area.

These recurring airspace restrictions significantly disrupt airport operations, resulting in major revenue losses for small, local businesses operating at these airports—such as flight schools, maintenance services, and propeller shops.

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

“Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive,” said Rep. 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.”

According to the Florida Aviation Economic Impact Study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, businesses at Lantana Airport employ more than 750 workers and contribute over $144 million annually to the local economy.

For full text of the letter Reps. Frankel and Kean, Jr. sent, click here.

 

###