Russian State Outlet Denied Congressional Press Pass

Politico reports:

The Congressional Periodical Press Gallery committee has denied Sputnik, a Russian state-owned news website, a permanent congressional press pass. Sputnik has the opportunity to appeal the decision, said Senate Periodical Press Gallery Director Justin Wilson.

According to the gallery rules members must not “act as an agent for, or be employed by the Federal, or any State, local or foreign government or representatives thereof.” Wilson said no state-sponsored news outlet is a member of their gallery.

The gallery committee is made up of rotating committee of journalists who help determine who should be granted a press pass, which allows greater access to various parts of Capitol Hill, and is often the precursor to other permanent credentials at places like the White House and Supreme Court.