Bedminster Awarded Trump Protection Relief

BEDMINSTER, NJ — The U. S. Secret Service has designated Bedminster a priority for presidential protection – allowing law enforcement and other protection-related costs eligible for reimbursement by the federal government, Republican Congressman Leonard Lance for district 7 announced Wednesday.

With this new designation, Bedminster is now considered a ‘residence of the President’ and will be eligible to apply to receive federal grants exclusively for providing reimbursement of law enforcement personnel costs for protection activities. Lance secured funds for the program through a recent government funding measure.

"We are very pleased with Congressman Lance to come through for the constituents of Bedminster," Bedminster Mayor Steve Parker told Patch. "One of biggest worries for the township was the unduly cost to the taxpayer. With this, Lance made sure there was no unduly cost to the Bedminster taxpayer."

This designation is extremely important to the township given President Donald Trump's numerous visits to his golf course in Bedminster, including this past weekend — where the additional security required by local, county and state law enforcement was becoming a financial burden for the township.

For example, the president’s visit to Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster in November cost the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office almost $18,000 for 208 hours of overtime. And more than 100 hours of overtime for the Bedminster Police cost close to $4,000.

Lance had previously wrote a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch in December asking the United States Department of Justice to cover the costs of security required to protect President Trump, his family and dignitaries when they visit Bedminster.

• See Related: Trump Protection Will Cost Bedminster, Lance Asks Feds For Relief

Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli of Somerset also joined efforts to seek reimbursements for Trump’s frequent visits to Bedminster and the state of New Jersey in June.

• See Related: Ciattarelli Seeks Reimbursement For Trump’s Visits To Bedminster

“Somerset County Prosecutor Robertson and the excellent law enforcement personnel in New Jersey have a tremendous duty: assisting the Secret Service in protecting the President and keeping residents safe during President Trump’s visits to New Jersey," said Lance. "I believe the additional law enforcement expenses are a federal responsibility and I will continue to seek parity for Bedminster and Somerset County."

(Image via Getty Images)

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