Plain Writing at GAO

We examine how taxpayer dollars are spent and provide Congress and federal agencies with objective, non-partisan, fact-based information to help the government save money and work more efficiently. We’re committed to clearly communicating about our work. We strive to follow federal guidelines on writing in plain language.

What We’re Doing

• We’re training all our staff in plain writing.
• We incorporate plain language reviews into our writing process.
• We keep up with trends in plain writing by participating in the federal Plain Language Action and Information Network and other professional organizations.

We also have two senior officials leading GAO’s plain writing efforts:

• Sarah Kaczmarek, Director of Public Affairs
• Faye Morrison, Director of Written Communications, Office of Audit Policy and Quality Assurance

Learn More

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to provide “clear government communication that the public can understand and use.” More information about this requirement and about plain writing guidelines can be found at www.plainlanguage.gov.

Here is our annual report on what we do to comply with this law.

Contact Us

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