BBC News with David Austin

President Obama is postponing a trip to Indonesia and Australia, so he can stay in Washington to try to get his health care reforms passed by Congress. Mr Obama had already delayed the long-arranged trip once and was due to set off on Sunday. But with the crucial vote on the reforms expected within days, the trip has been put off entirely until June. From Washington, Mark Mardell reports.

The president has made changes to America's health care insurance system his flagship domestic legislation. It's dragged on for over a year and divided the country. He'll be damaged if he can't get it through. The climax is near. So far there is no sign of any Republicans voting for it. Its fate lies in the hands of a handful in the president's own party who either fear it allows for easier abortion, or who simply fear a backlash in November's elections, (who favored)if they vote for a measure their constituents dislike.

The United States and Russia say they are close to a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. Speaking after discussions in Moscow with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said a final agreement would be reached soon. From Moscow, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes reports.

For the last year, US and Russian negotiators have been trying to thrash out a new treaty. Today in Moscow, Hillary Clinton confirmed that a new treaty is now close, and they are now discussing where it would be signed. President Obama urgently needs a foreign policy success. When he came into office a year ago, he made improving relations with Russia a centerpiece of his foreign strategy. A year on, there is little concrete to show for it. That is why for America much more than for Russia sealing this new treaty is so important.