After a weekend spent digesting his surprise receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize, Barack Obama this week returns to a more familiar but important task. The only award of which Mr Obama is assured this year will be handed out in Oslo on December 10. Yet the prize he most values is securing his promise of delivering meaningful healthcare reform.

On Tuesday, a key Senate committee will decide the next stage of this marathon process, which last month led to a congressional bill – but one that continues to lack support from the Republican minority in either house.