WASHINGTON - Newt Gingrich is getting a big head - one befitting the most ferocious of prehistoric creatures.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is making a $5,000 replica of a tyrannosaur head that Gingrich, a dinosaur buff, will use to decorate his office.

The 5-foot casting will be paid for with private funds, not taxpayer dollars, according to museum spokesman Randall Kremer.

The Smithsonian traditionally has lent artifacts to members of Congress decorating their offices.

But some of Gingrich's colleagues find the whole arrangement a bit too indulgent.

"To commission a separate piece of art . . . in this time of cost cutting, that's not something I think I could justify," said Rep. Mark Foley, a GOP freshman from Florida.

Gingrich recently appointed four members of Congress to the Smithsonian's governing board of regents.