Plain Writing at DHS

Plain Writing refers to the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to present content to the public that is clear, easy to read and easily understood.

On October 13, 2010, President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act into law. OMB issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011.

The purpose of the act is “to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.” The law heralds a complete change in federal communications culture. From now on, clarity will be the primary objective in writing. Documents will be judged based on their simplicity, precision, and usefulness to stakeholders on all levels.

• Read the DHS 2015 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
• View the DHS Plan to Implement the Plain Writing Act of 2010 Requirements

DHS Plain Writing Leadership

Designated Senior Official for Plain Writing:

Dr. Kim O’Connor
Executive Secretary, Office of the Secretary

Departmental Plain Writing Coordinator

Michael Broome
Senior Advisor

Provide Feedback on Plain Writing at DHS

DHS values your comments and welcomes your feedback about how we provide all internal and external stakeholders (for example, other government agencies, private businesses, citizens, and our own employees) with documents and materials that are clearly written.  

If there are specific documents that you wish to cite as an opportunity for improvement, please include as much information about the document as possible for us to research it, including (if available) web link, form number, and document title and the specific information you found difficult. 

Although all correspondence to this e-mail box will be monitored and shared with leadership, we will not be staffed to respond to individual inquiries.  

We appreciate your comments.  Please write to us at DHSPlainWriting@hq.dhs.gov