The Transition from THOMAS.gov to Congress.gov

We are hard at work preparing for the day that THOMAS will be retired and Congress.gov will be the system for everyone. We are really proud of Congress.gov.  So proud that starting in November, when someone types in the URL THOMAS.gov they will be redirected to Congress.gov.  THOMAS.gov will remain accessible from the Congress.gov homepage through late 2014.

Which THOMAS links are being redirected to Congress.gov?

Here’s a chart that should help:

What will happen to the @THOMASdotgov Twitter account?

To coincide with the redirect to Congress.gov in November, our @THOMASdotgov Twitter account will get a change too. All of its followers will be transferred to a new Congress.gov Twitter account.

Where can I learn how to use Congress.gov?

If you are unfamiliar with the new system or want to learn more, Congress.gov online trainings are available Oct. 17 and Nov. 14.  Complete this form to register.

How can I help?

We describe Congress.gov as having a user-centered design.  We already have a link to leave feedback in multiple places on every page of the site.  Starting today through next Monday, September 30 we are doing a more in depth user test.  We’re looking for people who are interested in Congress and legislation to take 15 minutes to test Congress.gov. Jill has set up this new test that can be done from your computer anytime and is absolutely anonymous. Your input will help make it a better site for everyone.

What has happened to Congress.gov since it was launched?

Throughout the last several months, there have been multiple updates to Congress.gov.  I think it is good to occasionally take a step back and look at how things have progressed since the site launched.

• We reached out to let people know about the new system by speaking at events such as the National Book Festival and the American Association of Law Libraries Conference.
• I blogged about the first iterative update.
• Judy, Pam, and Robert hosted several webinars to familiarize people with Congress.gov. (Sign up for a future webinar)
• There was a November update (that included an enhancement based on a blog comment).
• Our first big update was in January when we added the Congressional Record.
• I did a recap at six months.
• Then we added all actions to Congress.gov in April.
• Tammie presented on the State of Congress.gov at the 2013 Legislative Data Conference.
• Tina announced two related legislative data challenges: Markup of US Legislation in Akoma Ntoso and Legislative XML Data Mapping.
• At the end of June, Congress.gov gained Committee Reports, Standing Committee pages, and the ability to “Search within results.”
• I shared tips like how to add Congress.gov to your home screen.
• We just added the new Constitution Annotated section earlier this week.

Now through the end of 2014 is just as ambitious.  We will continue adding more data, enhancing existing features and improving functionality.  We will continue updating you on developments as we work toward the full transition at the end of 2014.  I have loved working on Congress.gov and informing democracy.