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Plain Language Guidelines, Plan, and Report
The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write “clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.” President Obama also emphasized the importance of establishing “a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration” in his January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government.
The FMC is committed to writing new documents in plain language by October 2011, using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.
We need your help to comply with this Act! Email us if you have trouble understanding our documents or the pages on our website.
We have assigned staff to oversee our plain language efforts:
- William Cody, Secretary (202-523-5725), Senior Agency Official for Plain Writing
We’re training our employees and have strengthened our oversight process.
We must use plain language in any document that:
- is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes;
- provides information about any federal government benefit or service; or
- explains to the public how to comply with a requirement that the federal government administers or enforces.
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – November 2, 2021
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – October 26, 2020
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – September 27, 2019
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – November 19, 2018
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – September 29, 2017
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – September 29, 2016
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – September 29, 2015
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – September 29, 2014
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – August 26, 2013
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report – April 13, 2012
Plain Writing Act of 2010 Plan and Compliance Report – July 13, 2011