In the Congressional Waiting Room

In the Congressional Waiting Room

McCutcheon, John T. (John Tinney), 1870-1949

Political cartoons

Veterans

United States. Congress

Tariff--Law and legislation

Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A.

Military pensions

Armed Forces

Compensation (Law)

Bills, Legislative

In the top two panels, a man representing the World War Adjusted Compensation Act, also known as the Bonus Bill, sits in the waiting room of "Dr. Congress" for several years. In the bottom panel, a man rushes in carrying papers labeled "Tariff Bill" and "Speeches" when Doctor Congress calls "Next!".

The Bonus Bill, or the World War Adjusted Compensation Act of 1924, sought to reward veterans of the First World War with cash compensation based on their tour of service. The act saw extreme debate in the House and Senate in 1921, culminating in the 1922 bill. President Warren G. Harding (1921-1923) vetoed the measure. Likewise, Harding's successor, Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) vetoed another measure on May 15, 1924, but Congress overrode the president, passing the Bonus Bill. At the time, Republicans like Harding and Coolidge pushed for tariff increases with a vigor that political cartoonist John T. McCutcheon felt should be reserved for the veterans of World War I.

McCutcheon, John T.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

n.d.

jpg

eng

400997

John T. McCutcheon Collection

political cartoon

b&w

1

47 x 37 cm