The purpose of the John E. Moss Public Service Award is to honor integrity, courage, independence and dedication of AWARD to the public interest - the greatest good for the greatest number - in the Congress of the United States.
 

Criteria for the award:

• Integrity
• Courage in advocating and maintaining difficult positions
• Commitment to representing the broadest public interest
• Accomplishment in promoting effective, open and compassionate government
• Demonstrated concern for improving opportunities for the disadvantaged
• Independence of judgment
• Promotion of government accountability