Those hearings were held by the ahole democrats in control of the Senate.
When the GOP holds hearings in the new, GOP controlled House, they had better kick ass and take names, because the TEA Party is watching, and every member is up for re-election in 2 years.
Unfortunately, the submissive behaviour was from both Dems and Republicans. Sen DeMint in particular, the hero of the Tea Party movement, was sickening his worshipful praise of 'Cardinal' Pistole.