U.S lawmakers reach deal to avert government shutdown ahead of deadline

A sign that reads 'Federal employees all day happy hour' is displayed at a local bar as the partial US government shutdown nears the deadline. [Courtesy]

U.S congressional leaders have agreed to prevent a partial government shutdown slated for midnight on Friday, lawmakers said Wednesday.

The Democratic and Republican parties have agreed to finance certain government sectors and have decided to prolong the existing deadlines of early March until March 8 and March 22, buying Congress more time to craft annual spending bills.