The Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 will require government agencies to write many future documents in plain language: language that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Specifically, it mandates plain language for new government documents related to:

• Government requirements
  
• Government programs
  
• Obtaining government benefits
  
• Obtaining government services
  

The plain language movement has actually been underway since the 1970's, but with limited success. Presidents Nixon, Carter, and Clinton all issued statements or orders that required federal employees to write regulation in clear, plain language. Clinton's memorandum was crystal clear, but was largely ignored by agency heads and government authors.

This new bill essentially reiterates Clinton's 1998 memorandum. The big difference is that it goes further—it requires reporting. Agencies will have to report their progress in meeting the law, which will help ensure compliance.

Unfortunately, the bill's language makes agencies' obligations somewhat ambiguous. The bill clearly states what content is covered, but it is unclear about what sort of documents are covered. The bill states that it applies to government "documents", but there are many senses of the word "document". Would the law apply only to physical, print documents or would it apply to any document: print and electronic?

Congress should clarify that the bill applies equally to electronic documents, for example: websites, emails, and Internet applications. The spirit of the bill seems to cover both print and electronic documents, so the language should cover electronic documents too.

Although it needs this minor clarification, the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 will be a great step forward for government transparency and participatory democracy. Congress must now pass this bill, because three presidential orders have failed to do the job.