At his weekly news conference Thursday, Speaker John A. Boehner signaled it is up to the White House to help pass an emerging Trade Promotion Authority bill, amid reports that the House is short of the votes needed to pass the legislation.

“One thing is clear: there will be strong Republican support for Trade Promotion Authority,” Boehner said. “Another point you should keep in mind is that every Democrat leader in the House and Senate are opposed to giving the president what he is asking for, and the president needs to step up his game in terms of garnering more support amongst Democrats, especially here in the House.”

Boehners remarks come as reported early whip counts indicate he will need Democratic support to pass the trade legislation.