Two U.S. lawmakers have urged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau to issue a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to reimburse airport businesses affected by temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around presidential residences. The lawmakers—Reps. Lois Frankel (D-Florida) and Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-New Jersey)—noted that they represent Palm Beach County, Florida, and Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump spends significant time.
“When the president is at his residences in our districts, TFRs are put in place for his safety, effectively shutting down general aviation airports in our districts, including Lantana Airport, Somerset Airport, and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport,” the lawmakers noted in a joint letter to Duffy and Rocheleau. “These closures severely disrupt operations and result in millions in lost revenue for the small businesses that operate out of these airports and employ hundreds of people.”
They pointed out that since the first Trump Administration, Congress appropriated $3.5 million annually to reimburse businesses affected by such TFRs that temporarily limit airspace access during certain presidential travel. However, they said, the FAA must issue an NOFO for businesses to be able to seek reimbursement.
“We strongly urge the FAA to open a NOFO for this grant opportunity before funds expire at the end of the fiscal year to ensure that eligible airports and businesses can receive the relief they need as soon as possible,” they appealed to the agency chiefs.
“Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive,” Kean said. “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,” Frankel added. “But it’s the federal government—not local businesses or airports—that should bear the cost of these necessary security measures.”