Houston leaders gathered at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday to officially dedicate Terminal E in honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The facility, which serves about 35,000 international travelers each day, is now named the Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire joined Houston Airports officials and Jackson Lee's family for the ceremony, where her relatives unveiled a 500-pound memorial plaque featuring her portrait. The plaque will be permanently installed inside the international concourse in the coming weeks.

"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. For decades, she fought for the neighborhoods, families and future of Houston," Whitmire said.

Jackson Lee represented Texas' 18th Congressional District for more than 30 years, including the area surrounding the airport. She helped secure more than $125 million for Houston airports during her time in Congress and pushed for aviation security and infrastructure improvements.

Jackson Lee served on the House Judiciary, Budget and Homeland Security committees, and chaired major House subcommittees focused on cybersecurity and border security. Her work helped shape the federalization of the Transportation Security Administration following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and strengthened aviation security nationwide.

"Terminal E is where Houston welcomes the world. There could not be a more fitting tribute to a public servant who dedicated her life to connection, opportunity and the people of Houston," Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said.

Jackson Lee died on July 19, 2024, at the age of 74. The Houston City Council unanimously approved the terminal renaming in April 2025. The naming ceremony recognized her decades-long impact on aviation, transportation security and infrastructure, and family members, elected officials and community leaders attended to celebrate her influence on Houston and the nation. The terminal is one of the busiest international gateways in the country, and the dedication reflects Jackson Lee's commitment to public service, transportation access and national security throughout her career.