Cost, ineffectiveness as deterrent cited.

A committee responsible for recommending enhanced safety procedures at the Capitol is advocating a big increase in security spending, but remains deeply divided over the issue of firearms inside the Capitol.

The shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others on Saturday in Tucson, Ariz., has pushed the issue of security at the Capitol onto the front burner. But it is hardly a new subject:

More than a half-dozen wallets and purses have disappeared from the Minnesota State Office Building in the month since the 2010 legislative session began, and authorities are reminding legislators and staffers to be careful about leaving personal items unattended.