he once referred to himself as rush limbaugh on decalf. and he really does stick to the conservative principles. that i think are what many in the base are looking for right now. so i think you're going to see more of him. >> susan, washington examiner, david, mclatchy newspapers. thank you. >> this past week, the senate labor and education and pensions committee had their hearing. chairing the meeting is christopher dodd of connecticut. the session took place on thursday, about 90 minutes. >> good morning. we gather again to consider the health care provisions. let me thank my colleagues. they've put a lot of time and work, and i'm grateful to everyone. in the midst of demanding schedules and votes and other committees, i'm particularly grateful to mike who has been tremendously patient and has sat here virtually every session to work through this, and my colleagues as well. ho has been tremendously patient and worked through virtually every session and worked through this and my colleagues as well. just to mention a couple of housekeepin