[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 141 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1612-E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ABBIE CRITES-LEONI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JASON T. SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2014

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Abbie 
Crites-Leoni from Cape Girardeau, Missouri for her exceptional 
successes in law and service to our community.
  Abbie has been awarded several times for her achievements as a lawyer 
and investigative work. She has become a role model for younger women 
wanting to pursue a career or interest in criminal justice and law.
  Apart from law, Abbie has also proven herself as a successful 
business owner. Alongside her husband, she helped administrate a 
construction company that has built suburb communities and even a 
wedding and event center which has benefitted the community greatly.
  Most recently, Abbie has achieved a new goal of becoming a judge. 
This is an incredible

[[Page E1613]]

milestone, and she is the first woman to serve full-time as a federal 
judge in Cape Girardeau.
  In addition to serving as an impartial judge in our court system, 
Abbie also finds time to serve the community in other ways. She has 
participated and led several different councils that aim to inspire and 
support local kids.
  For her work in seeking justice and practicing law in an admirable 
and ethical way, I applaud Abbie for her success and the bright future 
that still lies ahead. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and 
accomplishments before the House of Representatives.

                          ____________________