Kevin Warsh, nominated by U.S. President Trump to serve as Federal Reserve Chair, received praise from a key Republican senator who had been blocking his confirmation but did not succeed in removing the obstacle to his appointment.

Senator Thom Tillis described his meeting with Warsh as "good" but reiterated that he would block any Federal Reserve nominations from advancing through the Senate Banking Committee until the Justice Department concludes its investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

"I think his mindset is right, so I'm hopeful we can remove my objection to what I believe is a bogus investigation so that we can get him in place in time for the May meeting," Tillis told reporters.

Warsh and Tillis met on Tuesday in the North Carolina Republican's office to discuss the nomination. This meeting marked the beginning of Warsh's outreach to members of Congress.

"I was already impressed with his qualifications. I've been familiar with his work, which is why I'm so frustrated that I can't cast a vote until we resolve this other issue," Tillis said to reporters before the meeting.

Tillis's vote on the Banking Committee is critical, as without his support, Warsh may not secure enough votes to advance the nomination. Tillis noted that during their meeting, Warsh did not comment on the ongoing investigation, and he did not ask him to do so.

Powell's term as Federal Reserve Chair ends in May. It remains uncertain whether Warsh will be confirmed by that time.