The late Congresswoman is taking flight!
The late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a political powerhouse who served Houston’s 18th Congressional District for over three decades, will have her name forever etched into the city’s landscape. On Wednesday, the Houston City Council overwhelmingly approved a proposal to rename Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental Airport in her honor, cementing her legacy in the place she so passionately served, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Jackson Lee, who passed away in July at the age of 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, was more than just a representative — she was a force. As a member of Congress, she secured over $125 million in federal funds for the airport, which is situated squarely within her district. Her contributions transformed infrastructure and elevated opportunities not just in Houston, but for the millions who pass through the airport each year.
The renaming process began in December under Proposition A, which allows council members to bring forward proposals for consideration. Initially delayed due to required administrative steps, including a public comment period, the initiative received overwhelming support. Of the approximately 2,000 responses collected, 80% were in favor of the renaming, a clear testament to the impact Jackson Lee had on the community.
During the council meeting, her daughter, former U.S. Rep. Erica Lee Carter, delivered a moving message in favor of the renaming.
“As you all hopefully vote to rename Terminal E, we’re not just affixing a name to a building. We’re telling the world that Sheila Jackson Lee mattered to Houston, and her legacy lives on boldly, physically, and permanently.”
Jackson Lee now joins a powerful lineage of leaders with terminals named in their honor at Bush Intercontinental. Terminal C bears the name of former Houston Mayor Lewis Cutrer, while Terminal D is named after another trailblazing 18th District representative, the late Mickey Leland.
With Terminal E now carrying Sheila Jackson Lee’s name, the city has not only honored a beloved leader — it has ensured that her story of service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the people of Houston will greet travelers from around the globe for generations to come.
Cover photo: Houston Renames Airport Terminal in Honor of the Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee/Photo credit: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle