Congress.gov Now Has Legislative Info for Your iPhone
The Law Library of Congress has debuted a new Congress website -- Congress.gov -- that will provide free public access to legislative information.
The new site is slated to replace the THOMAS system, which was the official database for legislative information since 1995, reports iPhone J.D.
Congress.gov is expected to be major step up from the previous system as it allows users to search across all content in the system at once. In addition, the website will be compatible with virtually any mobile device. So if what was lacking on your morning commute was the ability to read bills and laws on your iPhone or iPad, Congress.gov is the website for you.
The new Congress website is designed to dynamically fit the size of the screen of whatever device you are using, reports iPhone J.D. So if you're on a computer, your screen will look a certain way. And if you are on an iPhone or iPad, it will look different, maximizing the website to the device you are on.
While most of you probably scoff at the idea of wanting to read legislative information on your iPhone during the morning commute, the upgrade in technology is important as we are moving to a more mobile age. As the next generation fills the gaps at legislative and government positions, they will look for the flexibility and compatibility that the new Congress website offers. And these individuals will want to read this information on their mobile devices, and not only when they are tethered to a desktop.
Regardless of the platform you use, you can access a wealth of legislative information at Congress.gov, including the text of bills, bill summary and status, and profiles of Members of Congress, reports iPhone J.D. The Congressional Record will reportedly be added soon. The website will also make available PDF versions of the bills and laws.
Related Resources:
- The Depose App: Should Lawyers Drop $8 on It? (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Is iPhone 5 with 4G LTE Reason Enough for Lawyers to Upgrade? (FindLaw's Technologist)
- How to Find the Best Keyboard for Your iPad (FindLaw's Technologist)