Background
Zablocki was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he graduated from Marquette University.
Zablocki was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he graduated from Marquette University.
Marquette University.
A liberal Democrat, he built his reputation in foreign policy, taking strong anti-Communist positions and supporting the Vietnam War. Zablocki was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1942. 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 Acting on February 28, 1979.
Zablocki in 1970-1972 helped design an early version of the War Powers Acting, 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.
Zablocki was buried at Saint 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.
He was elected to the 81st United States Congress in 1948 as a member of the Democratic party.