How to Use the GovInfo MCP in Claude

Q: How do I install the GovInfo MCP Server on Claude Desktop?

Open your claudedesktopconfig.json file and add the server configuration under the mcpServers key. Once you restart the app, the tools will appear in your chat window.

Q: Can I search specific document types using GovInfo in Claude Desktop?

Yes, you can. Your agent uses searchdocuments to filter by collection type, such as congressional bills or court opinions, and then pulls details with getcollection.

Get official US federal documents directly inside Claude Desktop without leaving your chat window.

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Connect GovInfo MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect GovInfo to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup GovInfo with Claude Desktop

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Pull federal records directly into Claude Desktop

Look, you don't need to manually crawl government websites when researching policy. This GovInfo MCP Server gives Claude Desktop direct access to the entire federal publishing archive, allowing your agent to run `search_documents` across congressional bills and federal regulations. Once you find a record, Claude Desktop uses `get_package_summary` to pull down the exact metadata you need. No more copy-pasting text from clunky government portals into your chat.

Drill down into complex legislative packages

Large federal files are packed with sub-documents that are easy to lose track of. When Claude Desktop processes a massive bill, it invokes `list_package_granules` to break down the package into its individual parts. Your agent then targets specific sections using `get_granule_summary` to pull out precise clauses. You get the exact legal language you asked for without hitting token limits on bloated documents.

Trace regulatory histories with ease

Government rules don't exist in a vacuum. This MCP Server lets your desktop agent call `get_related_documents` to instantly find connected regulatory filings and previous drafts. You can also use `get_published` to track exactly what the government printed on a specific date. It makes tracking compliance changes straightforward.

Setup guide

Set up GovInfo MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The GovInfo MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the GovInfo MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under govinfo-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "govinfo-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by GovInfo. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about GovInfo MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your `claude_desktop_config.json` file and add the server configuration under the `mcpServers` key. Once you restart the app, the tools will appear in your chat window.

Yes, you can. Your agent uses `search_documents` to filter by collection type, such as congressional bills or court opinions, and then pulls details with `get_collection`.

It handles them by breaking them down. Instead of pulling a massive PDF, Claude Desktop calls `list_package_granules` to identify specific sub-sections and reads only what is necessary.

Yes, you need a GovInfo API key. You configure it as an environment variable in your desktop config file, allowing the server to authenticate your requests.

This server only touches public federal publications and metadata, meaning no classified or proprietary data is accessed. Your API key is stored locally on your machine, and the local desktop app communicates directly with the federal API endpoint.

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