By JM Rieger and Matt Fuller

Ahead of votes on a series of trade-related bills Thursday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi detailed her outstanding concerns while commending President Barack Obama and Speaker John A. Boehner, among others, for their work on the legislation. Pelosi also acknowledged that Democrats could vote down Trade Adjustment Assistance to sink Trade Promotion Authority, given the structure of the House rule on the legislation, “empowering” her caucus. “It has empowered us to try to get a better TAA and get a better funding for it,” Pelosi said. “… I’d like to see the TPA rise or fall on its own, but yes that opportunity does exist.” The California Democrat, who has avoided publicly stating her position on Trade Promotion Authority, said she will probably make her statement in full on the House floor Friday. Read more.