Senate Democrats on the Banking committee have called for a pause in the nomination proceedings for Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the US central bank. Their request follows criminal investigations into current Federal Reserve officials Lisa Cook and Jerome Powell, which Democrats allege are attempts by the administration to influence the central bank. Cook is challenging her potential dismissal in court, while Powell claims the probes are part of a broader effort to exert improper control over monetary policy. The White House has defended Warsh's qualifications and criticized Democrats for politicizing the nomination process, but has not indicated when the nomination will be formally sent to Congress.