Senate Majority Leader John Thune spoke candidly on Wednesday, emphasizing the necessity for House Speaker Mike Johnson to effectively manage the Jeffrey Epstein scandal that has significantly interrupted the legislative agenda. Thune expressed his views during an interview in his Senate office, indicating that the issue will likely be a priority when Congress resumes in September.

“In some fashion, in some way, he's going to have to handle it and deal with it,” Thune remarked, suggesting that the controversy surrounding Epstein, a deceased financier and convicted sex offender known for his connections with high-profile figures including Donald Trump, has become a pressing issue for the House of Representatives.

Earlier this week, Johnson made the decision to conclude House sessions prematurely and commence the summer recess amidst increasing dysfunction. This disruption stems from a strong bipartisan demand for greater transparency regarding Epstein’s relationships and activities. Thune noted that Johnson is navigating these troubled waters as best he can, acknowledging the strong feelings within his caucus which complicate the progression of other legislative matters.

Thune also highlighted that, as of now, the Epstein issue hasn’t caused as much uproar in the Senate. “I'm not hearing the hue and cry, I guess I would say, to do a deep dive into this — to hold hearings or anything like that,” he stated, indicating a more subdued response in the upper chamber.

Moreover, Thune disclosed that he and former President Trump have briefly discussed the Epstein situation. According to Thune, Trump has suggested that there are other, more critical priorities that Congress should focus on. “He hasn't made any specific point with me in conversations other than to reference what's going on, what the House is saying,” Thune explained. Trump's remarks imply a desire for the Legislature to direct its attention towards other significant issues, though he has not offered any specific guidance or recommendations on how to proceed.

As the fall session approaches, all eyes will be on Speaker Johnson and how he chooses to tackle the complex and sensitive Epstein debacle. The decisions made could have lasting impacts on both the functionality of the House and the broader political climate as lawmakers grapple with this contentious issue.