Barack Obama will this week set out his priorities in an address to the joint houses of Congress on Tuesday night – the equivalent of a “state of the union” address – followed by the release on Thursday of his first budget.

A SunEdison worker installs solar panels on the roof of a New Jersey department store: the budget will create cash pools for green reforms

Senior administration officials say Mr Obama is likely to highlight two key issues – healthcare reform and climate change. The budget is likely to set aside funds in these areas in addition to items in last week’s $787bn (€614bn, £545bn) fiscal stimulus.