A source tells CNN that Democratic Senators have reached a deal to move forward with the Covid relief bill, agreeing to extend the enhanced unemployment insurance program through September 6 at $300 a week. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin stalled the bill for hours while his Republican colleagues urged him to support a less generous plan on jobless benefits. In a 50-50 Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker, the Democrats can’t afford to lose even one vote. Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley tells AC360 a “compromise has been forged.” Plus, a CNN analysis finds the U.S. could reach herd immunity by summer through vaccinations alone. Dr. Ashish Jha joins AC360 to discuss whether or not he thinks that timeline is realistic.

 

Airdate: March 5, 2021

 

Guests:

Sen. Jeff Merkley

Dr. Ashish Jha

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