Whereas investment in the education, training, and career advancement of the workforce in the United States, known as workforce development , is crucial to the ability of the United States to compete in the global economy; Whereas collaboration among Governors, local governments, State and local education, workforce, and human services agencies, community colleges, local businesses, employment service providers, community-based organizations, and workforce development boards provides for long-term, sustainable, and successful workforce development across traditional sectors and emerging industries; Whereas middle-skill jobs, which require more than a high school diploma but not a 4-year degree, comprise 53 percent of the labor market, but only 43 percent of workers in the United States are trained at that level, creating a discrepancy that may limit growth in changing industries such as health care, manufacturing, and information technology; Whereas, in 2014, Congress reauthorized the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) with overwhelming bipartisan support in recognition of the need to strengthen the focus of the United States on the skills necessary to fill jobs in local and regional industries; Whereas the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) supports employment, training, and support services for individuals with barriers to employment, including— (1) individuals who are low-income; (2) individuals who are out of work; (3) individuals displaced by outsourcing; (4) individuals looking to learn new skills; and (5) individuals with disabilities; Whereas the more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,500 American Job Centers are a driving force behind growing regional economies by providing training, resources, and assistance to workers who aim to compete in the 21st century economy