of today’s establishment . (9) The Director of the National Background Investigations Bureau, Charles Phalen, Jr., testified before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives on February 2, 2017, about the process to investigate applicants for security clearances. (10) In response to questions from Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings, Director Phalen agreed that calling oneself a Leninist would cause concerns during the background check process for a security clearance, saying It would, and the investigator should pursue that avenue of discussion with the subject as to what that means. . (11) In response to a specific question about someone whose goal was to destroy the state, Director Phalen responded That would elicit a very strong line of questioning with that individual and with others to determine what he means by that so that we can give a full picture to the adjudicator. . (12) When asked what would happen if Bannon denied making these statements, Director Phalen responded that background check investigators would determine what the truth is . 3. Prohibition of individuals who threaten to destroy the Government from participating in or attending National Security Council meetings (a) Prohibition Section 101(c) of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3021(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by striking The President and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (3), the President