App Profile: Dome Directory

Mfein10

Rating: 4/5

This was a really good app in the 117th Congress. It hasn’t stayed updated for the 118th, though. Also, there are frequent crashes, so it’s near-impossible to make it through an entire deck. Still a great resource for learning Members’ faces!

WT9T

Rating: 3/5

If you're looking for a directory of members of the United States House of Representatives, this isn't it. It consists of flash cards showing just the Members' headshots; if you tap one you are shown name, party, district, seniority, and committee assignments. You can move on by swiping the photo (I haven't dared swipe right, for fear of what might ensue). You can say you've learned the face, and it will no longer be presented. To be sure, the description and instructions would make this clear to anyone — once they had let go of the name of the app. The only lookup feature is that you may restrict drills by party and seniority. This is odd for a recognition drill, because if your beat is the Armed Services Committee, why would you want to recognize, only or separately, the faces of Republican freshmen? The information is useful as far as it goes, and the presentation attractive for the purpose. It's not fair to complain that the Majority Leader didn't include features of an app his office hadn't set out to write. But: if you're looking for a congressional directory, this isn't it.

WonkfromtheWest

Rating: 5/5

I love this app! It is such a handy reference and includes just the right thumbnail of information. It’s the perfect starting point for research or just learning about our legislative branch. Thank you!