WASHINGTON - High-tech companies looking to bring more skilled workers to the U.S. pushed Monday for more concessions in an immigration bill pending in the Senate. Labour unions said the Silicon Valley had already gotten enough in the legislation and further changes risked chipping away at protections for U.S. workers. The clash is set to play out in a Capitol Hill hearing room this week as the Senate Judiciary Committee resumes consideration of amendments to sweeping legislation remaking the nation's immigration system.

Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton was never questioned by investigators looking into the attack on the US mission in Libya that claimed the life of the US ambassador, a head of the internal probe said Sunday. Ambassador Thomas Pickering said he and retired admiral Mike Mullen interviewed Clinton near the end of their investigation into the September 11 attack in Benghazi but saw no need to question her about her role.

Rio de Janeiro, May 13 (EFE).- Legal sales of new firearms rose sixfold in Brazil from 5,161 in 2004 to a record 31,500 in 2012 despite legislation enacted 10 years ago that made it harder to purchase and possess firearms, the press reported. The gun control law initially caused the number of firearms sold in the South American country to fall from 22,269 in 2003 to 5,161 in 2004, the O Globo newspaper said. The law restricted firearms sales and prohibited individuals who did not belong to a law enforcement agency from carrying guns in the streets.

WASHINGTON - House and Senate Republican leaders told President Barack Obama Thursday that they will refuse to nominate candidates to serve on an advisory board that is to play a role in holding down Medicare costs under the new health care act.