&gt; Second, pointing to the delegation of authority and making a cute reference to legislating peer-reviewed scientific findings is a nod to The Daily Show crowd&#x27;s jokester attitude.<p>It seems to me it (like the next line you take issue with) is previewing the administration&#x27;s arguments on whether the subpoena serves a legislative purpose should this dispute escalate to the point where Congress attempts to impose consequences and the Administration challenges that attempt in the courts.<p>Explaining one&#x27;s position <i>why</i> a demand is outside of the requesters legal authority to demand is quite appropriate in a response to a demand.