Government should be required to use clear language

The Plain Language Act has already been passed by the House of Representatives but is still being debated in the Senate. This legislation would require that all government documents be written in “clear, concise, well-organized” language. Bill Clinton tried to encourage easily readable documents, but most federal documents cannot be clearly understood. The article cites the example of SUV safety labels. The federal government requires that SUVs have a rollover-warning sticker, but the old label was so long that people did not read it. Now, a new label has been created that uses bullet points, pictures, and colors. This legislation would benefit the citizens of the United States, for they would be able to understand what the government is doing, what changes are being made, and how the government is functioning. Less ambiguous language would prevent confusion and save time for politicians, bureaucrats, and citizens. There would be less disagreement and greater knowledge of government actions.

The full article is here.

The Supreme Court has been guilty of using ambiguous language for landmark cases as well, namely Brown II. When the Supreme Court decided how and when to proceed with desegregation, they used the phrase “with all deliberate speed.” Nobody knew exactly what this phrase meant, and the words “deliberate” and “speed” seemed to contradict each other. “Deliberate” can mean planned, carefully weighed, and slow in deciding, while “speed” calls for quickness of action. Courts, schools, and citizens could, therefore, understand the Court’s ruling very differently and take action in different ways. Supporters of Brown v. Board were unhappy with the Court’s handling of the implementation of desegregation. Opponents of Brown could use the Court’s ambiguous language to resist change and delay integrating schools. The Plain Language Act would prevent future documents from being misinterpreted and would ensure that government decisions are followed.

The Plain Language Act can be read in its entirety here. This website gives the background of the bill, beginning with Representative Bruce Braley’s (D-IA) initial introduction in February 2009. Also, the current status of the bill in the Senate is updated regularly. Details about the roll call vote to pass the bill in the House are also on the website.

Braley commented on his bill, saying the Plain Language Act will increase understanding but also “increase government accountability.” He argues that clear language allows the public to understand the actions and services of the federal government. Mainly, the Plain Language Act simplifies tax forms, federal college aid applications, Veterans Administration forms, and other common government documents. This website gives the guidelines for plain language, which include short words, the use of “you,” short sentences, avoiding legal language, and avoiding double negatives. The website also has examples of federal documents before the Plain Language Act and how they would be rewritten.

Although this bill may not translate to Supreme Court decisions, it is a necessary step in the right direction. Government transparency has become a topic of debate and was included on Obama’s agenda when he took office. Opening up the government to the public will lessen the partisan attacks by giving people the facts instead of leaving it up to politicians to inform the public of what is happening in Washington.

This bill is just another example of how language creeps into every aspect of our lives. Even language on such documents as tax returns can create confusion because of the different understandings of the words. The government must be aware of how it is using language and how the public interprets this language.