>> and that ripple effect all across the country continues. alexandra, thank you so much. >> new this morning, president obama is challenging lawmakers to act fast on unemployment insurance. 1.3 million americans saw those benefits expire in december and the president calls that just quite cruel. how is this fight shaping up, jim? >> reporter: the white house is putting its weight to extend long-term unemployment benefits. at there point republicans are say they go could go along with this plan as long as the cost is offset by other cuts. but senate majority leader harry reed a saying no deal, calling that foolishness the white house is gearing up for an all-out campaign.