BREAKING NEWS

US lawmakers weigh enhanced security after baseball field attack

The US Congress and law enforcement authorities are looking at ways to improve security for lawmakers and their aides following Wednesday's shooting of Representative Steve Scalise and three others, with money being both the possible remedy and hurdle.

Several Republican and Democratic members of the House of Representatives and Senate on Thursday said a security review was long overdue.

Scalise, the third-ranking Republican in the House, was seriously wounded when a gunman opened fire on him during a practice at a suburban Virginia baseball field for Thursday's annual congressional ballgame between Republicans and Democrats.

A congressional aide, a lobbyist and one police officer were also shot before police killed the gunman.

A budget increase for the US Capitol Police from just under $400 million this year is among the ideas under consideration.

House Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi had been discussing "protocol and resources for members' safety" even before the attack, said a Ryan spokeswoman, AshLee Strong.