How to Use the GovInfo MCP in Windsurf

Q: How does Windsurf use GovInfo to find recent bills?

Windsurf calls getpublished for a specific date to pull new filings. The agent then sorts these results to show you the relevant legislative text.

Q: Can Windsurf perform a GovInfo search across multiple collections?

Yes. The agent uses listcollections to identify valid targets and then runs searchdocuments against them. It chains these calls automatically to find what you need.

Q: Does the GovInfo MCP server allow Windsurf to see related documents?

It does. By using getrelateddocuments, the agent pulls a list of connected records for any package you are currently reviewing in your workspace.

Let Windsurf pull raw federal records directly into your codebase without leaving the editor.

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Connect GovInfo MCP to Windsurf

Create your Vinkius account to connect GovInfo to Windsurf 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 Windsurf

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Autonomous document discovery

Windsurf uses `search_documents` to find relevant government records based on your natural language goals. It handles the API handshake so you see the results immediately. Once the agent identifies a target, it invokes `get_package_summary` to pull context. This keeps your project context grounded in verified, official data rather than guesswork.

Granular legislative research

Cascade drills into specific document structures using `list_package_granules`. You get the exact sections of a bill or report without parsing thousands of unrelated pages. After isolating a granule, the `get_granule_summary` tool fetches the breakdown. You save hours by letting the agent extract only the sections that matter to your current task.

Automated collection tracking

The server uses `list_collections` so your IDE knows exactly which databases are available for query. It keeps your research organized by identifying the right source before you start. When you need to track updates, `get_published` checks for new filings on specific dates. Windsurf monitors these changes and alerts you to new data as it hits the archives.

Setup guide

Set up GovInfo MCP in Windsurf

Prerequisites

Windsurf IDE installed (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP configuration

Click the Cascade assistant icon in the sidebar, then click the hammer icon (🔨) at the top of the panel. Select "Configure" to open ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json.
2

Add the GovInfo MCP

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

Refresh MCPs

Go back to the hammer icon (🔨) in Cascade and click "Refresh". Windsurf will detect the new server. No full restart is needed — the connection is hot-reloaded.
4

Verify in Cascade

Start a new Cascade conversation and ask something like "Show my GovInfo payment history." If connected, Cascade will call the GovInfo tools directly. You will see a green dot next to the server name in the MCP panel.

mcp_config.json

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

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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 Windsurf

Windsurf calls `get_published` for a specific date to pull new filings. The agent then sorts these results to show you the relevant legislative text.

Yes. The agent uses `list_collections` to identify valid targets and then runs `search_documents` against them. It chains these calls automatically to find what you need.

It does. By using `get_related_documents`, the agent pulls a list of connected records for any package you are currently reviewing in your workspace.

You provide your endpoint token when configuring the server in your settings. It is stored locally and used only to authorize your specific requests.

Your queries stay between your machine and the government API. This MCP server handles only the specific document metadata you request.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.

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