Preceded by John C. Brophy Alma mater Marquette University Political party Democratic | Nationality American Succeeded by Jerry Kleczka Name Clement Zablocki | |
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Full Name Clement John Zablocki Born November 18, 1912
Milwaukee, Wisconsin ( 1912-11-18 ) Died December 3, 1983(1983-12-03) (aged 71)
Washington, D.C., U.S. | ||
Clement John Zablocki (November 18, 1912 – December 3, 1983) was a U.S. Representative representing the heavily Polish south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A liberal Democrat, he built his reputation in foreign policy, taking strong anti-Communist positions and supporting the Vietnam War.
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Career
Zablocki was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he graduated from Marquette University. Zablocki was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1942. He was elected to the 81st United States Congress in 1948 as a member of the Democratic party. He was then reelected to the succeeding Congresses serving from January 3, 1949, until his death from a heart attack in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 3, 1983. Zablocki was the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 1977 until his death in 1983. He served during the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, a period that included several significant international events, including the Iran hostage crisis. Zablocki introduced the Taiwan Relations Act on February 28, 1979.
Zablocki in 1970-72 helped design an early version of the War Powers Act, which put presidential war-making power under congressional control. He was instrumental in House passage of the final version in late 1973 over President Nixon's veto.
Personal life
Zablocki was buried at St. Adalbert's Cemetery in Milwaukee. Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center at 5000 West National Avenue in Milwaukee is named for him, as is the Zablocki Library and the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School in Milwaukee.