Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008

PLAIN LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 2008 -- (House of Representatives - April 14, 2008)

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3548, the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008. This legislation would enhance citizen access to government information services by promoting the use of ``plain language'' in government documents issued to the public.

Writing in plain language doesn't mean writing only about simple things. It means writing well about anything the government writes about.

During committee consideration of this legislation, Republican amendments were adopted that further the cause of requiring the use of plain language. Mr. Sali succeeded in revising the bill to require plain language be used in preparing collections of information, primarily tax documents, as well as regulations issued by Federal agencies. In addition, the committee accepted an amendment I offered to promote the use of the English language in documents.

I have been a consistent advocate in Congress of improving government accountability, responsiveness, and transparency. I believe this legislation is consistent with these efforts.

I urge my colleagues to support the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008.

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