; 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 effectively prepare individuals for employment in local and regional industries; Whereas the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) supports employment, skills development, and support services for individuals with barriers to employment, including— (1) individuals who earn low incomes; (2) individuals who are out of work, including the long-term unemployed; (3) individuals displaced by outsourcing; (4) individuals living in rural areas or areas with persistently high unemployment; (5) individuals looking to learn new skills; and (6) individuals with disabilities; Whereas the more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,400 American Job Centers are a driving force behind growing regional economies by providing resources and assistance to workers who aim to compete in the 21st century economy; Whereas ongoing State and local implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) provides unprecedented opportunities to develop the skills of workers in the United States through access to effective, quality workforce education, including the development and delivery of proven strategies such as sector partnerships, career pathways, integrated education, work-based learning models, and paid internships; Whereas, in 2022, programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) are estimated to have served more than 5,000,000 and have the potential to serve many more if the delivery of such programs is improved