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An embattled Cabinet memberin the administration of President Donald Trump, a brief directive was received from anunlikely sourceOn Tuesday, during testimony before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee.

Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce and a veteran Wall Street figure, was appearing in court to discuss his department and matters related to broadband funding. The session gained attention as itsoon became filled with inquiriesregarding his previous relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

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But in another surprising instance, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) questioned Lutnick regarding his awareness of his own department.

“Is the Census Bureau under your authority?” asked Kennedy.

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“Yes, it is,” said Lutnick.

“And the Census Bureau is responsible for determining what it means to be poor or in poverty in America, is that right?” Kennedy asked.

Lutnick paused for a considerable time before offering an assumption.

“I believe it conducts economic analysis for the United States,” he responded.

“But it also sets the poverty threshold, doesn’t it?” pressed Kennedy.

Lutnick’s reply provoked a sharp reaction from Kennedy.

“I’m not sure if it’s the defining—” he started, but Kennedy cut in.

“Well, you have to look because it does,” a frustrated Kennedy concluded.

“Okay,” Lutnick said, surprised.

But Kennedy wasn’t finished.

“If you’re aware, this isn’t a test, if you’re aware, what’s the percentage of Americans living at or below the poverty line?” Kennedy continued.

“I’m not sure,” Lutnick confessed.

Okay. It’s approximately 11 percent,” Kennedy replied on his behalf. “It has remained steady.