Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as "National Workforce Development Month".

Suzanne Bonamici

Democrat · OR · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2)Original· 2026-10-05

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

2026-10-05

Source: Congress.gov

Plain-English summary pending. Introduced on 2026-10-05. Check back soon — summaries are generated as bills progress through Congress.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 1607 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1607 Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as ``National Workforce Development Month''. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 5, 2026 Ms. Bonamici (for herself and Mr. Guthrie) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce _______________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as ``National Workforce Development Month''. Whereas support for the education, talent development, 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 multiple stakeholders, including State and local workforce development boards, State and local governments, Governors, State and local education entities, workforce, and human services agencies, community colleges, local employers, employment service providers, and community-based organizations, provides for long-term, sustainable, and successful workforce development across existing economic sectors and emerging industries; Whereas the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July 2026 that there are approximately 7,271,000 unfilled jobs in the United States, which decreases corporate productivity, reduces the local tax base, and hinders global competitiveness; Whereas 76 percent of business leaders say greater support for skills development would help their businesses; Whereas, in 2024, 39,600,000 Americans quit their jobs, many of whom did so to try to improve their employment situation; Whereas, as of August 2026 in the United States-- (1) roughly 7,000,000 individuals are unemployed; (2) unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic adults are well above the unemployment rates for White adults; and (3) workers without postsecondary education and skills development are more likely to be unemployed; Whereas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects electrician employment to grow 9 percent through 2034, with about 81,000 openings a year on average, and HVAC-R mechanics and installers to grow 8 percent, with roughly 40,1000 openings a year; Whereas the World Economic Forum projects that 22 percent of jobs will be disrupted by 2030, with nearly 40 percent of the skills workers use set to change over the same period; 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, and this legislation is now due for reauthorization; Whereas the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act supports employment, career exploration, skills development, and supportive services for approximately 2,700,000 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 who seek employment after incarceration; (6) individuals looking to learn new skills; and (7) individuals with disabilities; Whereas the more than 570 workforce development boards and 2,300 American Job Centers are a driving force behind growing regional economies by providing resources and assistance to workers, often through apprenticeships, work experience opportunities, and on-the-job training, with over 70 percent of individuals receiving career and training services becoming employed; Whereas ongoing State and local implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 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 2024,…

programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act are estimated to have served 9,112,668 individuals and have the potential to serve many more if the delivery of such programs is improved; Whereas State programs established under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.)-- (1) ensured that nearly 2,560,780 workers, including 127,268 veterans and 162,085 individuals with disabilities, had access to career services virtually and through American Job Centers during the 2024 program year; and (2) are a foundational part of the workforce development system; Whereas community colleges and other workforce development providers across the United States are well situated-- (1) to train the next generation of workers in the United States; and (2) to address the educational challenges created by emerging industries and technological advancements; Whereas participation in a career and technical education (referred to in this preamble as ``CTE'') program decreases the risk of students dropping out of high school, and all 50 States and the District of Columbia report higher graduation rates for CTE students, as compared to other students; Whereas community and technical colleges operate as open access institutions serving millions of students annually at a comparatively low cost; Whereas the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Public Law 115-224; 132 Stat. 1563) supports the development and implementation of high-quality CTE programs that-- (1) combine rigorous academic content with occupational skills; and (2) serve approximately 12,300,000 high school and college students across the country; Whereas there are 727,586 registered apprentices in the United States as of September 2026, and there is growing and bipartisan support for expanding quality earn-and-learn strategies to help current and future workers gain skills and work experience; Whereas the federally supported workforce system and partner programs-- (1) have helped rebuild the economy of the United States and provide increased economic opportunities; (2) provide a pathway into 21st century jobs that support families while ensuring that businesses in the United States find the skilled workforce needed to compete in the global economy; (3) generate tax revenue, increase labor force participation, and reduce reliance on public assistance; (4) leverage additional resources from private philanthropy, business, community foundations, and other public and private sources; and (5) have the potential to serve many more if the delivery of such programs is improved; and Whereas workforce development is crucial to sustaining economic security for workers in the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) expresses support for the designation of ``National Workforce Development Month''; (2) supports Federal initiatives to promote workforce development; and (3) acknowledges that workforce development plays a crucial role in supporting workers, increasing labor force participation, and growing the economy. <all>

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