Anyone have a phone book? [via WaPo]

We’ve heard of witness intimidation, and now we know one of Congress’ secrets to making those testifying before committees feel a bit … overmatched: low-slung chairs.

Rep. Lynn Jenkins found herself on an unfamiliar side of the dais Thursday when she testified before a subcommittee of the Ways and Means committee—of which she is a member. The Kansas Republican, used to sitting among the members of the committee, instead sat in a witness chair to discuss expiring tax provisions. Jenkins is a CPA and the sponsor of a bill extending tax breaks for short-line railways.

But Jenkins, when called on, had trouble even seeing over the top of the table in front of her. “I would refer to my notes,” she said, “But I can’t see them. I’m wondering if there’s a phone book or something I could sit on.”

Can you spot Rep. Jenkins in this picture?

(March 20, 2012 – Source: Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)