Former Florida Congressman E. Clay Shaw dies at the age 74
09/11/2013
Former Florida Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. died Tuesday evening after a long battle with lung cancer. The family released the following statement:
Statement on the passing of Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr.
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, congressman and mayor, E. Clay Shaw, Jr.
Clay Shaw passed away on Tuesday, September 10th at Holy Cross Hospital surrounded by family and following a courageous battle against lung cancer.
“Clay cherished his time in the U.S. Congress representing the people of South Florida. He was a devoted family man setting a fine example for our 15 grandchildren. They will always be proud of Clay’s love of country,” said Emilie Shaw.
Clay Shaw accomplished a great deal during his 26 years in Washington spanning four U.S. presidents (1981-2007).
As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Human Resources subcommittee, Clay Shaw authored the historic Welfare Reform Act of 1996. Clay Shaw’s leadership in reforming the nation’s welfare system resulted in an end to welfare dependency on government while igniting the human spirit. Today, countless Americans are off welfare and working.
As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security subcommittee, Clay Shaw led the effort to eliminate the Social Security Earnings Penalty on working seniors. Thanks to Clay Shaw, millions of American seniors are still working today without the threat of losing their Social Security benefits.
As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee’s Trade subcommittee, Clay Shaw pushed for open markets across the globe. A staunch free trader, Clay Shaw successfully led the passage of the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) that opened up U.S. exports to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
As Chairman of the Florida Congressional delegation, Clay Shaw authored the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a critical partnership between the federal government and the state of Florida in restoring and protecting America’s Everglades.
Additionally, Clay Shaw authored the 1982 Missing and Exploited Children’s Act, the Holocaust Restoration Tax Fairness Act of 2002, the Congo Basin Forest Partnership Act of 2004 and led the Posse Comitatus effort in the 1980’s allowing the U.S. military to intercept illegal drugs on the open seas.
Clay Shaw was born in Miami, Florida, April 19, 1939. He graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 1957. He received his B.S. from Stetson University in 1961, an M.B.A., from University of Alabama in 1963, and his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 1966.
After years of service to the City of Fort Lauderdale, Clay Shaw was elected to Congress from 1981 to 2007.
Clay Shaw is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Emilie; children Emilie “Mimi” Shaw Carter (Jim), Jennifer Shaw Wilder (Greg), E. Clay Shaw III (Heather) and John Charles “J.C.” Shaw (Angela) and 15 grandchildren.
Congressman Shaw will be buried at a family graveside in Cuba, Alabama. A memorial service will take place in Ft. Lauderdale at a later date.
Clay Shaw was a gentleman... and will be remembered fondly by all.
Posted by: Ben Starling III | 09/24/2013 at 04:36 PM