Two Southern California lawmakers on Sept. 12 announced the creation of the California Aerospace Caucus in Congress to promote legislation that supports the region’s aerospace industry.

Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, and Ken Calvert, R-Corona, launched the caucus and will serve as its co-chairs. More than two dozen other California lawmakers have joined the caucus so far, with at least half serving districts in Los Angeles County.

The caucus will provide information on matters affecting the aerospace industry and will craft bills to support the industry and its workers.

According to a 2017 report from the California Manufacturing Technology Consulting Co., the aerospace industry employed about 92,000 people in early 2017. The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. issued a report in November stating the industry employs more than 50,000 in the county. Both figures do not include government employees working in the sector.

“I’m delighted to launch the California Aerospace Caucus with Rep. Calvert,” Lieu said in the statement announcing the caucus. “Our state is light years ahead when it comes to aerospace technology—making our country safer and our technology more innovative. California’s aerospace pioneers are bettering our understanding of the world and beyond, and helping our national security.”

Economy, education, energy and transportation reporter Howard Fine can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @howardafine.