Brief Fact Summary. A federal law implemented rent controls. The constitutionality of the law was questioned.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. Congress has the right to enforce economic regulations during wartime, under its war power.
The constitutionality of action taken by Congress does not depend on recitals of the power which it undertakes to exercise.
View Full Point of LawIssue. Congress, under their war powers, promulgate economic regulations?
Held. Yes. Judgment reversed.
Even though the war had officially ended, the effects of the combat still lingered, so a state of war persisted. The housing shortage was a direct result of the war, so Congress had the authority to take all necessary and proper steps to enforce its war power. So, the economic regulation on rent is a valid exercise of Congressional power.
Concurrence. Whenever the government invokes the war power to assert authority, their basis in using it should be heavily scrutinized. The war power does not last as long as the effects and consequences of the war. If they did, then the power would be permanent.
Discussion. The scope of the war powers given to Congress is broad. Although they are subject to judicial review, the legislation is rarely struck down.