”… Congress simply directed ..."
What does “simply directed” mean in terms of the Constitution? Did both Houses of Congress pass a bill declaring that a referenced E.O. does have any effect, knowing that the president would either not sign the bill, or possibly veto the bill. And if vetoed, Congress then using its constitutional Clause 2 of Section 7 of Article I power to override a veto with 2/3 vote of each House of Congress.
The only way Congress can "direct" anything is through legislation. But they can avoid the veto by attaching a rider to a bill the President doesn't want to veto.