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RT May Have A Harder Time Reporting On Capitol Hill

The executive committee of the Congressional Radio & Television Correspondents' Galleries unanimously voted to withdraw RT's credentials.

By: Lindsey Pulse

Posted at 9:30 AM, Nov 30, 2017

and last updated 2017-11-30 09:30:12-05

State-funded Russian news outlet RT may have a harder time reporting on Capitol Hill.

The Congressional Radio & Television Correspondents' Galleries executive committee unanimously voted to withdraw RT's credentials. RT reported Wednesday the committee sent a letter to its production company.

RT America had to register as a foreign agent in mid-November.

And foreign agents can't have press credentials. Rules state members can't be employed by "any foreign government or representative thereof."

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Tuesday registering as a foreign agent "does not restrict an organization's ability to operate."

But CNN points out having Capitol Hill press accreditation gives reporters better access to lawmakers and can lead the way to permanent White House credentials.

The withdrawal is effective immediately. RT's editor in chief condemned the decision and suggested the network is being discriminated against.