Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik has been denied a permanent congressional press pass by the Congressional Periodical Press Gallery committee, Politico reported Friday.

According to press gallery rules, members cannot "act as an agent for, or be employed by the Federal, or any State, local or foreign government or representatives thereof." An official cited in the report stated that no state-owned news agency is a member.

Senate Periodical Press Gallery Director Justin Wilson said Sputnik could appeal the decision, according to Politico.

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Sputnik isn't the first news agency to be denied entry by the committee this year. Right-wing outlet Breitbart News was denied permanent congressional press passes earlier this year over their ties to a GOP mega-donor and conservative nonprofit.

According to Politico, the Russian news service is also seeking entry to the White House Foreign Press Group in order to become part of the rotation handling pool reports.