Legislation To Improve Federal Government Communication With The Public

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced the Plain Writing Act of 2009 yesterday.  The bill will require the federal government to write public documents more clearly.  Agencies would have to write new or substantially revised documents that are issued to the public in way that is clear, well organized, and understandable.  

By requiring agencies to write in plain language, the legislation’s goal is to make the government more transparent and more efficient, allowing agencies to spend less time answering customer service questions and obtain better compliance.

Senators George Voinovich (R-Ohio), Tom Carper (D-Delaware), Carl Levin (D-Michigan), Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), and Jon Tester (D-Montana) are cosponsors of the legislation.  Representative Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, H.R. 946.