Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-08-10

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LYNN BARTELS

Foreign Policy

Context

On 2026-08-10, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LYNN BARTELS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LYNN BARTELS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E782] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LYNN BARTELS ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Monday, August 10, 2026 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Bartels, a dear friend and one of Colorado's most respected and influential journalists. For more than two decades, Lynn chronicled the people, events, and decisions that shaped our state. She possessed an insatiable curiosity, a relentless pursuit of the truth, and an unmatched ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Whether covering governors, senators, legislators, or local officials, she approached every story with tenacity, fairness, and integrity. She held public officials accountable without losing sight of their humanity. Colleagues and elected leaders alike admired her encyclopedic knowledge of Colorado politics, her sharp memory, and her remarkable network of sources. Yet beyond her professional accomplishments, it was her authenticity, warmth, and genuine interest in people that earned her widespread admiration and trust. What set Lynn apart was her unwavering commitment to fairness. She did not play favorites, nor did she allow partisanship to shape her reporting. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents knew they would receive the same honest treatment from Lynn. Even those who found themselves the subject of a difficult story respected her because they knew she was guided by a steadfast commitment to the facts and to the public she served. Lynn's influence extended far beyond the newsroom. After her distinguished career in journalism, she continued serving Colorado in state government, bringing the same intelligence, energy, humor, and dedication that had defined her reporting. She remained a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend to countless individuals across the political spectrum. Her unique ability to build relationships, foster understanding, and communicate complex issues made her an indispensable part of Colorado's civic life. As we remember Lynn Bartels, we celebrate not only an exceptional journalist but also an exceptional friend and mentor who will be deeply missed. Her infectious personality, quick wit, compassion, and passion for public service touched generations of Coloradans. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, fairness, and humanity that will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Although Lynn is no longer with us, her impact endures in the stories she told, the people she influenced, the leaders she held accountable, and the stronger, better- informed Colorado she helped build. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Lynn's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LYNN BARTELS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E782] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LYNN BARTELS ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Monday, August 10, 2026 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Bartels, a dear friend and one of Colorado's most respected and influential journalists. For more than two decades, Lynn chronicled the people, events, and decisions that shaped our state. She possessed an insatiable curiosity, a relentless pursuit of the truth, and an unmatched ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Whether covering governors, senators, legislators, or local officials, she approached every story with tenacity, fairness, and integrity. She held public officials accountable without losing sight of their humanity. Colleagues and elected leaders alike admired her encyclopedic knowledge of Colorado politics, her sharp memory, and her remarkable network of sources. Yet beyond her professional accomplishments, it was her authenticity, warmth, and genuine interest in people that earned her widespread admiration and trust. What set Lynn apart was her unwavering commitment to fairness. She did not play favorites, nor did she allow partisanship to shape her reporting. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents knew they would receive the same honest treatment from Lynn. Even those who found themselves the subject of a difficult story respected her because they knew she was guided by a steadfast commitment to the facts and to the public she served. Lynn's influence extended far beyond the newsroom. After her distinguished career in journalism, she continued serving Colorado in state government, bringing the same intelligence, energy, humor, and dedication that had defined her reporting. She remained a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend to countless individuals across the political spectrum. Her unique ability to build relationships, foster understanding, and communicate complex issues made her an indispensable part of Colorado's civic life. As we remember Lynn Bartels, we celebrate not only an exceptional journalist but also an exceptional friend and mentor who will be deeply missed. Her infectious personality, quick wit, compassion, and passion for public service touched generations of Coloradans. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, fairness, and humanity that will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Although Lynn is no longer with us, her impact endures in the stories she told, the people she influenced, the leaders she held accountable, and the stronger, better- informed Colorado she helped build. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Lynn's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace. ____________________