Houston officials officially dedicated George Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal E in honor of the late former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in a May 18 ceremony, officials announced in a May 18 news release.
Career history
Jackson Lee represented Texas' 18th Congressional District—which includes IAH—for more than three decades. Jackson Lee died at age 74 in July 2024 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, as previously reported by Community Impact.
"Sheila Jackson Lee dedicated her life to the people of Houston, and today our city honors a legacy built on public service, opportunity and an unwavering belief in this community," Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. "For decades, she fought for the neighborhoods, families and future of Houston, and there could not be a more fitting tribute than having her name welcome millions of travelers from around the world to this great city."
The impact
During her tenure, Jackson Lee advocated for aviation security, federal transportation investment and infrastructure improvements, and helped secure more than $125 million for Houston airports, per the release.
Houston City Council voted unanimously to rename Terminal E to "Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E" in April 2025, as previously reported.
"We are thrilled that the gateway to the world and our great city reflects her leadership and legacy. Houston is the city that allowed Congresswoman Jackson Lee to soar to heights we could not have imagined," the Jackson Lee family said in a statement. "This day reflects not just what she meant to us, but what she means to each of you as a central figure in our community. It is our wish that this continues to inspire visitors for years to come."
Why now?
Following the completion of an expansion project, Terminal E became fully operational in April, as previously reported. The terminal sees roughly 35,000 international passengers on a daily basis, per the release.
During the May 18 ceremony, a 500-pound memorial plaque featuring a portrait of Jackson Lee was unveiled. In the coming weeks, the plaque will be permanently installed inside the terminal's international concourse beyond the TSA security checkpoint.
"Terminal E is where Houston welcomes the world," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports, in a statement. "Millions of travelers from around the world will now encounter the story of Sheila Jackson Lee here at one of America's great international gateways. There could not be a more fitting tribute to a public servant who dedicated her life to connection, opportunity and the people of Houston."
