In a statement late Thursday, the White House blamed Republicans, saying the "completely avoidable" government shutdown was hurting the president's efforts to promote trade and U.S. influence in emerging world markets.
Obama's decision to skip upcoming economic summits in Indonesia and Brunei was an indication of how entrenched both sides were as the bitter partisan shutdown entered its fourth day with no end in sight.
Secretary of State John Kerry flew to Bali, Indonesia, on Friday and will head the U.S. delegation to the summits.
Lawmakers said the shutdown that started Tuesday seemed to be quickly merging with a more critical showdown over the nation's expiring line of credit, raising the stakes for the still-fragile economy.
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