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 US President Barack Obama urges Congress to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid a potentially devastating default, international media outlets report.

CNN International writes the president singled out House Republicans for intransigence and said the political showdown is "no way to run the greatest country on Earth."

"The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn't vote for a dysfunctional government," Obama said. "So I'm asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message."

Shortly after the president's address, problems were reported on the web pages of at least two high-profile Republicans -- House Speaker John Boehner and Rep. Michele Bachmann.

An error message on Boehner's site said "The web page cannot be found," and Bachmann's website said the "Server is too busy."
"The sad truth is that the president wanted a blank check six months ago, and he wants a blank check today," Boehner said. "That is just not going to happen."