# Congress+ — user reviews > 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Congress+ by Cohen Research Group, rated 3.21/5 from 19 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/congress-plus/id291329881/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/congress-plus/id291329881.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 9 · 4★ 2 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 8 ## Newest reviews (12 of 50) ### 4/5 — Great app *2022-08-03, version 17.0.1* Gotta love how the developer makes a point to note the GOP members who voted to object to certify in 2020. Doesn’t do so for Dems (e.g. Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee) who objected in 2016. Great app though. Very useful. **Developer response:** Thanks for rating the app with four stars. We appreciate it. We only point that particular vote out because it’s relevant to the current election both in primaries and the general election and the majority of the Republican caucus voted for it, not a fringe few. We’ve been asked by both Republicans and Democrats to list this information. ### 4/5 — Charged twice for the 116th Congress upgrade *2020-02-10, version 13.0.0* UPDATE: The developer responded and Apple has issued a refund. I have used this app for years and it has been a very useful tool for keeping up with Congressional members. I've adjusted my rating accordingly. The app doesn't appear to recognize that I had already purchased the upgrade and touching the upgrade icon on the same device again will continue to charge your account .99 each time you do so. All other apps will advise you that you have already purchased an upgrade and will not continue to charge for the same upgrade. I will contact Apple for a refund and adjust this rating accordingly if and when this gets rectified. **Developer response:** That really shouldn’t happen with what Apple calls “non-consumable” IAPs like this one. Please do get your 99¢ back and let us know if you’d like help. Feel free to email us directly and we will jump on a call. UPDATE: Thanks so much! Again, if anyone has a problem with the app, please reach out directly. We’re more than happy to help with IAP or any other issues you find using this or any of our apps. ### 5/5 — Contacting the maker of the app goes a long way! *2013-02-06, version 9.0* After noticing the absence of my newly-elected Senator from the Congress App, I contacted - through the contact information listed - the company to let them know of the missing information. Mike, the company owner, replied immediately, noting that the 113th Congress was not yet listed and the rationale why that had happened. He provided me with a route to use in the meantime before I meet with my Congressional Delegation this week. I have been very happy with the app - not being the political wonk that others may be - in the limited capacity I use it... I absolutely appreciate the time and efforts Mike and his team have shown in addressing my concerns. As an educator, it troubles me reading a few of the reviews that people are complaining so vehemently about the performance of the app, without seeming to have contacted the app creators. Just as I encourage my students to let me know if they perceive an issue, and the idea of innocence before guilt, I'd encourage everyone to contact Mike and his team if they encounter a problem or issue. I realize our time and money is valuable, but allowing for solutions to be created for problems we encounter - and communicating those problems - seems to be a much better use of our time and energy. **Developer response:** Mike sends you a heart emoji. ### 5/5 — Five Star App *2013-02-06, version 9.0* This is hands down a five star app. There was a little issue with the update and I e-mailed and received an immediate response and I was up and running with the update. You can't ask for any better assistance or a better app for government information. We would all be luckier if our government worked like the makers of this app do. ### 4/5 — 113th Congress update *2013-02-06, version 9.0* As a reporter on Capitol Hill, I'm a big fan of the Congress app and use it almost daily. I initially had problems with downloading the 113th Congress upgrade but it works great after I emailed the app maker to figure out the problem. Here's the response I got: The update and the in-app purchase (99¢) for the 113th Congress are now available in the App Store. At this point, you should be able to open your app, tap on the More section, and see "Upgrades" where you can purchase "Access to the 113th Congress" listed. Tap on that, pay the 99¢ and your app will be "unlocked" and, after it updates in front of you, will show the new information. If you don't see this, please delete the app and reinstall it. Once reinstalled, you should see an invitation to purchase the 99¢ unlock. If you pay it, the app will update to the new Congress. ### 5/5 — Great app and even greater customer service *2013-02-06, version 9.0* I've greatly enjoyed this app and am pumped for the 113th update. The CIYP team was highly responsive when I had problems updating. They walked me step-by-step through getting the latest and greatest in Congressional information. Thanks to the team for their quick and detailed support. ### 5/5 — Very Resourceful Legislative App *2012-03-05, version 7.4* This app is a collection of lots of very useful legislative information - while it is true, much of this can be found on the web for free, what makes this App worth the money is it consolidates the critical information that you need if you are advocating or working on The Hill or trying to contact your Senator or Representative when you are away from you desktop -- which is most of the time for most of us these days. :-) $4.99 is very small price to pay for having all this information at your disposal on an iPhone or iPad. I should also voice my opinion about the customer service -- it is simply incredible! I had an email exchange with the CEO / Founder / Chief Customer Service Guru and I was blown away with the response time over the weekend. Mike Cohen cares greatly about his customers and their experience with his products……this alone is worth money. If you need information regarding Congress, this app is for you. ### 5/5 — great support! *2011-06-16, version 7.0* like some others, I was having difficulty getting the update...however 1 e-mail to the company and I got an immediate call from the CEO who walked me thru the proper procedure.(hey...I'm a lobbyist...what do I know about technology?) I now have VERY current info and find this app to be absolutely invaluable while walking the halls of congress. ### 5/5 — Very Responsive *2011-05-26, version 7.0* I am always impressed by the personalized attention that the creators of this app provide. On more than one occasion I have sent updated information or made suggestions and they have always been responsive. Keeping up with all the staff changes on the Hill is a perpetually challenging activity but I have confidence that the Congress+ folks are doing their best. ### 5/5 — The fix for the 112th Congress is easy *2011-05-22, version 7.0* I love this app. It is a lifesaver in my business. I have most apps because I want them.....This one, I need. I contacted the company about the 112th...got response in less than 10 minutes. I have never ever had this kind of support from a developer... If anyone is interested in updating to the new Congress: delete the app directly from you device. Reinstall the app...you will not have to pay for it again. Problem solved. ### 3/5 — Need to get their act together *2011-04-10, version 7.0* I don't know about post-mid-term election but if you bought this app before Nov 2010 it is absolutely terrible at ensuring you have the proper update. My recommendation is once you get the most recent version squared away do not allow the store to ever update it. It constantly incorrectly updates itself in the iTunes store and re-charges you for the update. They need to get their act together. ### 5/5 — Great App *2011-03-08, version 6.01* Not only is the information tremendously helpful (certainly beats carrying around the traditional small books) but the customer service is second to none. If you ask a question you are sure to get a response within minutes. - JL ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Hidden charge for current data *2023-01-27, version 18.0.0* Additional charge to update to current data the same day I bought it **Developer response:** The “hidden” charge is right in the description. We reduce the price so that people who already purchased the app can pay only $.99 to get the update. We think that’s fair. We don’t think you should buy a new app every year. Feel free to get a refund from Apple if this doesn’t work for you. We feel it’s more than fair given the price point. ### 1/5 — Author's Liberal Bias on Full Display *2022-06-23, version 17.0.1* Bios info for several Republican law makers indicated they failed to vote to certify the 2020 elections. However; Cohen fails to note the same info for several Democrats who did the same in 2000, 2004 and 2016 elections (Waters, Johnson, etc.). Facts do matter unless you have a political bias. **Developer response:** Original reply: Please email us with your concerns. We'd be happy to help! — Edited reply post one-star: We’re not going to argue the politics here because, unlike your claims, we think you’d be surprised by the distribution of the political leanings for folks who work on this. It’s not about that. Here’s why we included that comment: 1. It is historically relevant and unique. This vote took place in the wake of January 6. In addition, some Republicans changed their minds about voting this way and other did not, and we have had users on both sides ask about it. Moreover, The Bush votes did not add up to a majority of the caucus, unlike in this case. 2. It is 2022 campaign relevant. Both parties are referencing the vote this year, both in primaries, and I’m sure in general elections to come in November. This is information people want to know to help them make voting decisions so we are providing it. We’re sorry that your feelings of perceived bias has led you here. Feel free to delete the app and get a refund. Apple makes it very easy. If you’re having trouble, feel free to email us at the email address listed here. We truly do not want folks using the app who are not comfortable with the content. Perhaps you can find an alternative that better fits your needs. Be well, james10. Sincerely, MC ### 1/5 — This used to be so good? *2021-02-24, version 17.0.1* What happen? Where are the committees? I paid for this again to get the update and now the new version doesn’t have any way to see who is on what committee? #fail **Developer response:** Thank you for your review. You seem to have downloaded the wrong version. CongressPro is the only app from us that has separate committees section. Don’t worry this happens occasionally. With Congress+ you can see committees under each members political page. I just downloaded it and it is working. I suggest you ask for a refund from Apple for this version and just say it was a simple mistake. Apple is cool like that. Then download CongressPro. If you have any other questions at all please email me at help@congressinyourpocket.com. I answer every email personally and I own the company. - MC ### 1/5 — Not preloaded with 117th congress *2021-02-04, version 17.0* I paid 5.99 for this app on Feb 4, 2021. The app description says "preloaded with 117th congress. It is not. I need to do an in-app purchase for 1.99. The correct price for this app should be 7.98. I don't mind paying that price but don't like receiving an obsolete product for 5.99. **Developer response:** Thanks for taking the time to review the app. In the very first sentence of the description we say that the app does not ship with the 117th Congress. The app requires an in-app purchase to unlock the current database. We do this so that current app owners don’t need to be charged every two years the full price of the app. We’re sorry you missed that part of the description. Feel free to request a refund from Apple. - MC ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work. The app has been hacked by a retailer. *2020-04-30, version 13.0.1* This has been an excellent app, but it has been hacked by a company that sells all kinds of hiking and other gear. The company is called The House. When I click on ANY link to a member’s website or attempt to open the page to contact a member of Congress, I get The House! I deleted the app and then downloaded it again from the App Store. Then, I paid $9.99 AGAIN for the update. And it still doesn’t work. Every link leads to The House retail website. Please refund my $9.99. I very much hope you can get The House off your app and make it the useful site it used to be. Thank you! **Developer response:** Thanks for the heads up. Super weird. That’s not what we are seeing. Please send us a screenshot example from a specific member to support [at] congressinyourpocket.com and I will check it out today, personally. - Mike ### 1/5 — All devices have to pay to upgrade *2019-07-28, version 12.5.0* The info and functionality are ok but I had to pay to upgrade each app on my iPhone and iPad separately. The apps should share a common account and an upgrade should be shared across devices. It was so only an extra $1, but irritating none the less...: **Developer response:** Wow. Weird. All you need to do is sign in under the same account, tap on Restore in More and you’re set. No double-billing! ### 1/5 — So simple. Get up to date *2019-03-31, version 12.5.0* 2 years later and Jeff sessions is still Alabama senator. Sad ### 1/5 — Not up to date *2019-01-04, version 12.3.1* Useless unless it is updated. Doesn’t have current membership let alone committee composition. **Developer response:** Current membership can be unlocked with the in-app purchase that should be going live soon. Committee assignments have only been released for the Senate GOP so far and are reflected in the app. If you are interested in it being updated all the time, please subscribe to CongressPro. ### 2/5 — Lacking *2009-10-01, version 0* I was disappointed with Congress+. Here's why: I was expecting to be linked to the action, to know what's going on. Congress in your pocket links you to congressmen, yea. But what is missing in an overview of the current legislation in congress. Sure, there is a link to a website, but that isn't readable on the iphone, there's too much detail. But, like the app provides for the list of congressmen, why can't there be an overview by bill? Then of the current or recent legislation, you can drill into more detail to see when it votes, who voted, if it passed, how it affects me etc... Its like having a list of every player in the NFL without knowing which team their on, when they play, or who they play.... I'm sure that is an obvious request. I don't think the app will be truly useful to me until that functionality gets built in. ### 2/5 — My first app... *2009-02-19, version 0* That I've felt was so bad I needed to express it. I can appreciate that a lot of information is organized, but all the links going to websites that aren't iPhone formatted really lacks in user experience. I honesly feel like I've been robbed. This is not a 10 dollar app. 2 dollars at best. In short if you are expecting something pleasurable to click through don't get it. If you are a pure information buff and don't care about usability, enjoy. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Useful app *2023-02-20, version 18.0.0* Very useful app, thanks! I even recommend it to some staffers on the Hill, who where unaware it exists) **Developer response:** Thanks so much! ### 5/5 — Follow Congress In Your Pocket App *2021-01-28, version 17.0* Most helpful App on Capitol Hill. I use it constantly; close to indispensable. I’ve had a couple of suggestions and questions, and the owner gets back instantly. Cohen impresses me as one committed and professional individual. ### 5/5 — Solid support *2021-01-27, version 17.0* I enjoy this app, and, when I had a support need, I got prompt support with little wait. I really appreciate this company. ### 5/5 — PA redistricting issue is FIXED *2021-01-11, version 13.0.4* For anyone in PA, the database now reflects the new Congressional Districts correctly. It was done without an app update since it was a dbase issue on their server. The app runs smoothly, and is helpful for politics junkies like me who like to quickly and easily get the scoop on what our politicians are up to. Customer service is phenomenal. I was happily surprised to learn that the creator himself, Dr. Michael Cohen, emailed back and forth with me to fix the issue I had. Then he followed up when it was corrected. **Developer response:** Thanks so much for the review! FYI, updates to this app are coming soon. We just want to release it after we make calls for staff updates and committees are assigned. You might know that they’re a bit ... busy right now. - MC ### 5/5 — Great App *2020-12-01, version 13.0.4* I love this app. I use all the time. **Developer response:** Thank you so much! ### 5/5 — Responsive *2020-07-26, version 13.0.2* This app has been a great resource for me. I recently switched phones and was trying to make sure I downloaded all the same apps I used to have. When I couldn’t find it, I reached out to Congress in my pocket folks and they responded right away and sent me the link to the app. I’m very pleased. **Developer response:** Thanks so much for the review and congrats on your new iPhone! ### 5/5 — Continues To Be Excellent! *2015-11-05, version 10.5* Over two years using this app and it remains stellar! It is my daily go-to reference for many of my needs related to our government in DC. Not only is the app fantastic, but the developer is amazingly responsive! He answers each and every email and phone call, usually within an hour, and is friendly and helpful. What a refreshing difference from the many automated and/or unresponsive customer service departments around the world. Bravo! ### 5/5 — Superb App, Essential Tool -- Love It ! *2013-07-15, version 9.1* This app is essential for anybody who is trying to follow Congress and work with Congressional offices. With 535 voting Members in the House and Senate, and thousands of staffers, you need a resource like this if you are serious about getting in touch and staying in touch with Congress. The app gives you great information on every Member of Congress including concise bios, and contact info for Members and their key staffers. The thing that amazes me about this app is how up to date it is. Things change fast and continuously on Capitol Hill, staffers come and go and change offices constantly and Members change also, but this app stays on top of the changes and keeps you up to date. It is very reliable. I've been using it for several years on my iPhone and now I have it loaded on my Mini iPad which is perfect-- a great size to work with and so portable! I keep it with me at all times when I am on The Hill. **Developer response:** Thank you so much for your review. We work VERY hard and hope you love the new updates. ### 5/5 — Invaluable! *2013-06-28, version 9.1* I've never reviewed an app before but this one is so great I had to review it! As a Senate staffer I find this app invaluable; having all of the information in one place is so convenient, I use it almost everyday! I don't like spending money on apps but this one was definitely worth it. I recommend this app for anyone who works on the Hill or lobbyists, think tank employees, Executive staffers, etc. who deal with Congress. ### 5/5 — Great customer service! *2013-02-06, version 9.0* Bought the new version of Congress on my Mac. Thought it would automatically sync with iPhone and iPad. I never got the option of okaying the meager .99 cost to upgrade. Could not find the version number I had, so didn't know if I had the new version or not. Sent an email to Mike at their web site. Had an answer back in less than an hour. He gave a couple of suggestions which did not work. With each problem I encountered, I sent another email to Mike. Generally within 10 minutes I had a reply. Finally, he suggested deleting the app on all devices and reinstalling. That worked. When I opened Congress on my iPad, it gave me the chance to pay the .99 for the upgrade. I did. Then, opened it on my iPhone and was asked for the .99 again. I thought I'd have to pay the .99 only once, but for a low cost, .99 twice was fine with me. I okayed it, and a message that I'd already paid the fee, and to tap a button to download on my phone for free. Nice touch. The app works fine on both devices, and I am glad to report on the responsiveness, quick, thorough, knowledgable and friendly support I got from the producers of the app! **Developer response:** Thank you for this! We do everything we can to help! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*