Rep. Renee Ellmers has introduced a bill that would re-name the federal building in Raleigh in honor of Sen. Jesse Helms.

Ellmers filed H.R. 6607 on Tuesday. The bill would Name the Century Post Office the "Jesse Helms Federal Building and United States Courthouse."

"Helms was an important advocate and representative of North Carolina throughout his 20 years of service in the United States Senate," Ellmers said. "This bill will ensure that the work he accomplished for the people of North Carolina will live on and invite future generations to learn about the important work he accomplished."

Dorothy Helms, wife of the late senator, said the family was touched to learn of the legislation.

"He was very proud to have his Senate office in that building on Fayetteville Street — Raleigh's 'Main Street,'" she said. "Jesse was a letter writer throughout his entire life so it's especially meaningful that the building to be named in his honor contains a post office."