A new GOP senator criticizes Democrats for attempting to delay Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Secretary of Defense.

New Republican Senator Jim Banks of Indiana criticized Democrats for trying to delay confirmation hearings for Trump nominees, specifically targeting the Department of Defense pick Pete Hegseth.

The Senate Committee on Armed Services should proceed with Hegseth's scheduled confirmation hearing on Jan. 14, as urged by banks, and not be influenced by Democrats' demands.

On Wednesday, he wrote to Wicker that Senators who are determined to hinder the confirmation of Hegseth as Secretary of Defense are attempting to delay and obstruct President Trump's appointment. If they succeed, it will endanger America's national security during the critical transition of power that is set to occur later this month.

After Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., wrote a letter to Wicker requesting more information and documentation from the nominee, the Republican sent his own correspondence to the committee member.

Blumenthal expressed his deep concern that the Senate Armed Services Committee is considering the nomination of Pete Hegseth for a critical position without complete information about his ability to lead the military and manage a budget of over $850 billion, citing allegations that Hegseth mismanaged funds while leading a veterans' nonprofit.

The Connecticut Democrat stated that he believes the committee cannot fairly consider Hegseth's nomination without a thorough examination of his behavior while heading these organizations, which represents his only experience in civilian management.

Blumenthal requested that additional documents related to Hegseth's credit card transactions and resource usage be reviewed.

The Democrat accused Hegseth of being unavailable to meet with him and his Democratic colleagues before his nomination hearing.

According to a source, Hegseth contacted Democrats in December to arrange a meeting, and only Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., agreed to meet with him.

Hegseth, like other nominees, will undergo hearing preparation in the days before the Jan. 14 hearing.

In his letter to Wicker, Banks criticized Blumenthal's request. "Senator Blumenthal’s letter to you and the rest of the Committee is an attempt to achieve their goal. In his letter, he makes unfounded and unidentified accusations against Mr. Hegseth regarding his leadership of two organizations that supported veterans' rights. Blumenthal's letter intentionally omits the fact that veterans who have worked with Mr. Hegseth professionally have publicly supported his nomination," he wrote.

Banks stated that Blumenthal has the right to question Hegseth on the floor and oppose his confirmation, but he does not have the right to delay the Armed Services Committee's important work for the national security of the United States.

Wicker did not immediately provide comment to Planet Chronicle Digital.