John E. Moss; Wrote Landmark Legislation

Former Rep. John E. Moss, the father of the 1966 federal Freedom of Information Act, died Friday of complications from pneumonia. He was 82.

In addition to his landmark FOI legislation, Moss was a staunch defender of the 1st Amendment and a strong advocate of consumer rights and environmental laws during his 26-year congressional career representing the Sacramento area.

He retired from Congress in 1979. He moved from Sacramento to San Francisco in 1992, on the advice of doctors who recommended that he get away from the San Joaquin Valley smog.

“Congressman John Moss was a man of great integrity who made an impact on all Americans,” President Clinton said in a written statement issued by the White House. “He doggedly pursued efficient ways to run a modern government and made a distinguished record of searching out the truth. We will miss him.”

His Freedom of Information Act opened vast seas of secret government documents and data to the public. Other legislation he authored broadened the scope of the Federal Trade Commission, tightened securities regulations and increased safety standards for tires and automobiles.

He also was chief sponsor of the 1970 Clean Air Act, and as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Moss conducted aggressive probes that infuriated the oil, medical, pharmaceutical and insurance industries, among others.

“Moss was a legislator’s legislator--incorruptible, extremely hard-working, compassionate and always fighting for people’s interests,” said consumer advocate Ralph Nader. “He was a consumer champion, a real delight to work with, a master of detail. He raised the level of congressional hearings and investigations to a new high.”

The son of a coal miner, Moss was born in Carbon County, Utah, in 1915. His family moved to Sacramento when he was 8 and he made his home there for the next 69 years.

After service in the Navy during World War II, he opened an appliance store in Sacramento and later obtained a real estate broker’s license.

In 1948, Moss, a Democrat, won a seat in the state Assembly. After two terms in the Legislature, he was elected in 1952 to his first of 13 terms in Congress, where he rose to deputy majority whip, the fourth-highest post in the hierarchy of congressional Democrats.

After retiring from Congress, Moss served as chairman of a newly formed Sacramento bank and was active in civic and charitable organizations in Sacramento until his asthma prompted his move to San Francisco.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Jean Kueny, daughters Jennifer Moss of San Francisco and Allison Moss of Sacramento, a brother and four grandchildren.

Memorial services are scheduled today in Sacramento.