Layered vessels retain the pressure through membrane action, and successive yielding of the inner layers (you're actually referring to layered vessels - not clad vessels).
In the case of a blind flange, as jte said, the pressure is retained by bending action, so the successive yielding of the different flat plates would lead to a cumulative effect, as you might in layered vessel construction.
wyogoob, as far as justification, you can start with Code of construction. After that, I would take a look at what ASME Sec. VIII, Division 1 says about layered vessels, and what you need to do for flat heads.