Richard Blumenthal actually said...

"I can tell you, my impression is from what I have heard about your work that you are more than just productive. You are very exceptional, an expert at what you do."

"As a resident of Ranking Member Blumenthal's district in Connecticut, he knows well of what I speak."

"Thank you very much."

"Let me be a little more precise, in fairness to you, rather than just asking you such an open-ended question."