The reference was appreciated. I was but a youngster at the time (1970) and did not know of the law.Check the economic stabilization act of 1970 which gives the executive branch broad powers to control prices, wages, rents, etc. Nixon used some of these in the early 70s.
It survived a court challenge from the meat packers union over constitutionality.
I just read the economic stabilization act of 1970. It expired February 1971.