Houston officials approved a resolution Dec. 18 showing support for renaming the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E after the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

How we got here

The resolution was brought to city council by the Proposition A Committee with eight members signing the letter in support.

The letter states: "The Congresswoman has made countless contributions on behalf of the city at the state, national and international level. Her sacrifices and commitment to the 18th Congressional District, and the greater Houston area, has left a tremendous legacy deserving this dedication."

The IAH airport is located in the 18th Congressional District held by Jackson Lee, and according to the letter, she was responsible for securing more than $125 million in federal funding for the Houston Airport System.


City Council voted unanimously in support of the resolution.

Quote of note

Council member Edward Pollard said renaming the terminal is befitting of Jackson Lee's stature.

"We all have fond memories of the congresswoman and her contributions to the city of Houston," he said. "This is a woman who gave her life to this city, in the service of this city, and I thought it would be fitting to find a way to keep her legacy alive in a meaningful, impactful and significant way."


Next steps

City Attorney Arturo Michel said the formal process of renaming the terminal includes:
  • A formal application
  • Approval by the Houston Airport System
  • Going through a public comment session
If all steps are completed, the resolution will return to council for a final vote. Terminal E is operated exclusively by United Airlines for domestic and international flights.