President Barack Obama is canceling a trip to Asia to stay in Washington and push for an elusive funding bill to get the nation's business up and running.

Blaming Republicans, the White House says the government shutdown is hurting the president's efforts to promote trade and U.S. influence in an emerging world market.

Obama's decision to skip economic summits in Indonesia and Brunei next week is an indication of how entrenched both sides are as the partisan shutdown enters its fourth day.

House Republicans are keeping up a drive to open agencies and programs on a piecemeal basis — a strategy rejected by Obama and Democratic allies in Congress.

Furloughed employees are expected to get some relief with legislation for back pay due for a vote on Friday or Saturday.

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