Donald Trump’s pick to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security chief was grilled by a senior Republican senator over past comments promoting political violence against him.

Republican Senator Rand Paul confronted Markwayne Mullin for suggesting last month that he deserved the 2017 assault that left Paul with horrific injuries.

'You were confronted by constituents that were angry because you voted against my amendment to stop all funding for refugee welfare programs,' Paul said.

'Instead of explaining your vote to continue these welfare programs for refugees, you decided to transfer the blame. You told the media that I was a freaking snake, and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted.'

Paul was attacked by his neighbor while mowing his lawn in November 2017, which left him with six broken ribs and fluid in his lung. The injuries were so horrific that Paul later suffered from pneumonia and had a part of his lung removed.  

'I was shocked that you would justify and celebrate this violent assault. That caused me so much pain and my family so much pain,' Paul continued. 'You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified.'

'Today I'll give you that chance to clear the record. Tell it to my face.'

Following Paul's remarks, Mullin refused to apologize and stood by his prior comments. 

During an event in Oklahoma in February, Mullin told voters: 'I respect Bernie Sanders because he’s an open socialist, and you know that he’s a communist so you know what you’re getting. Rand Paul’s a freaking snake. And I understand completely why his neighbor did what he did.'

Paul then revealed that Mullin had called him ahead of the committee hearing to discuss his remarks. 

The Kentucky senator said Trump’s DHS nominee still refused to apologize for endorsing the attack.

'I said I could understand, because of the behavior you were having, that I can understand why your neighbor, why the neighbor, did what he did,' Mullin said.

He also addressed his claim that Paul was 'freaking snake.' 

'I work around this room to try to fix problems,' Mullin said. 'I’ve worked with many people in this room. Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us.'

When asked by Paul if he endorses political violence, Mullin responded, 'I don't.' 

'I don’t think anybody should be hit by surprise. I don’t like that. But if I do have something to say, everybody in this room knows I’ll come straight to you. I’ll say it publicly and I’ll say it privately but I’ll never say it behind your back,' he added.

Mullin's confirmation hearing comes as the vast majority of DHS remains shut down due to Democrats' refusal to approve funding.

The lack of funds for employees working in DHS agencies such as TSA has led to nationwide delays in commercial flights.  

Noem was fired by Trump earlier this month after testifying on Capitol Hill that the President personally approved a controversial $220 million advertisement campaign.

Paul's vote is not essential to Mullin's DHS because Democratic Senator John Fetterman has indicated he will vote to confirm him.