Congress.gov Quick Start Guide

Search for bills and resolutions by number or keyword.

• Type a word or phrase into the Words & Phrases box. Use AND, OR and NOT to connect search terms.
• Enter a bill, resolution or law number in the Legislation and Law Numbers box. Click on Search or press Enter on your keyboard.
• Use the Search Tools link at the top of the page to find number formats and other search connectors.
• Click on the Reset button to clear the form and start a new search.

Homepage search form defaults to collections from the current Congress.

• Use the drop-down menu to expand your search to all congresses or specific collections.
• From the search results page, click on MORE OPTIONS to modify your search parameters.
• Narrow your search by using the filters and selecting additional search constraints.
• Choose a different way to sort your results from the Sort by menu.

Learn about recent congressional activities.

• Easy access from the home page.
• See when each chamber is in session.
• Watch live floor proceedings.
• View committee schedules.
• Subscribe to RSS feeds for Most-Viewed Bills, On the House Floor Today, On the Senate Floor today and more.

Set up an account to save search queries and set up email alerts.

• From Sign In link in the right top corner of any page, select Create an account for a one-time set up of your account.
• Sign in with your email and password.
• Select Save this Search from any search results page.
• Select Get Alerts from the saved search confirmation popover to receive an email when your search results change.

View and set up weekly email alerts for upcoming House and Senate committee meetings and hearings

• Visit the Committee Schedule in either the Daily View or Weekly View to see meetings.
• Select Get Weekly Alerts.
• Select Confirm and OK from the confirmation popover to receive an email every Monday with the updated committee schedule for that week.
• Note: A Congress.gov account is required to sign-up to and receive alerts.

Access the Congressional Record from the header or footer of any page on Congress.gov.

• Daily Digest of the most recent issue is displayed. Tabs go to the other sections.
• Select Entire Issue (PDF) for a display formatted like the print copy.
• Find older issues by selecting a date from the calendar or Browse by Date to see all issues and sections in order.
• Get alerts to be notified when today’s issue is available.