GHOSTWRITERS WANTED

The House voted 259-128 Friday to allow its members to receive unlimited book royalties, provided that they receive no advances and have their book contracts approved in advance by the Ethics Committee. The measure, proposed by Republican Gerald Solomon of New York, is good news for Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose potentially $2 million in royalty checks is now subject to a $20,040 annual cap on outside income. Not everyone was happy with the vote. House Democratic Whip David Bonior, referring to the current government shutdown, said afterward: "Veterans are still waiting for their checks, kids are being denied their Christmas presents, and Congress voted to protect its own interest and to protect the Speaker's interest to make money."