Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today apologized publicly for the first time for the troubled roll out of the new federal insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov, which has frustrated millions of Americans trying to sign up.

"Let me say directly to these Americans: you deserve better," Sebelius said in testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in Washington. "I apologize."

Sebelius, who is overseeing implementation of the Affordable Care Act, said the launch of the online marketplace has gone "miserably" since Oct. 1. "I am as frustrated and angry as anyone," she said. "I am eager to earn your confidence back."

The Obama administration says the troubled website, which was not accessible at the time of Sebelius' testimony because of technical problems, is "fixable" and improving every day.

"We have a plan to address key outstanding issues … by the end of November," she said.