IV 
114TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 887 
Supporting efforts to increase competition and accountability in the health 
insurance marketplace, and to extend accessible, quality, affordable health 
care coverage to every American through the choice of a public insurance 
plan. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 
Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. PERLMUTTER, and Mr. ELLI-
SON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Com-
mittee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Supporting efforts to increase competition and accountability 
in the health insurance marketplace, and to extend acces-
sible, quality, affordable health care coverage to every 
American through the choice of a public insurance plan. 
Whereas under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act (Public Law 111–148; 124 Stat. 119) (referred to in 
this preamble as the ‘‘Affordable Care Act’’), 20,000,000 
Americans have gained health insurance coverage, includ-
ing 11,000,000 Americans that have coverage through 
the public exchanges created by that Act; 
Whereas the uninsured rate is at its lowest point in history, 
but there is more work to be done to provide access to 
coverage for Americans that remain uninsured, and to re-
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•HRES 887 IH 
duce deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for the 
31,000,000 Americans who are currently underinsured; 
Whereas before the date of enactment of the Affordable Care 
Act, millions of individuals with preexisting conditions 
were denied health coverage by insurance companies that 
controlled who received health care in the United States; 
Whereas profound disparities persist in health outcomes 
based on race, ethnicity, and geography, and nearly 
4,000,000 adults, disproportionately people of color, lack 
coverage as a result of the failure of 19 States to expand 
the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Secu-
rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) under the Affordable 
Care Act; 
Whereas public insurance options for workers’ compensation 
insurance have resulted in lower rates for small busi-
nesses and more competition in several States; 
Whereas giving all Americans the choice of a public, non-
profit health insurance option would— 
(1) lead to increased competition and reduced pre-
miums; 
(2) cut wasteful spending on administration, mar-
keting, and executive pay; and 
(3) ensure that consumers have the affordable 
choices they deserve; 
Whereas public programs such as the Medicare program 
under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395 et seq.) often deliver care more cost-effectively by 
limiting administrative overhead and securing better 
prices from providers; and 
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•HRES 887 IH 
Whereas the Congressional Budget Office has found that a 
public health insurance option would save taxpayers bil-
lions of dollars: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports 
efforts to build on the Patient Protection and Affordable 
Care Act (Public Law 111–148; 124 Stat. 119) by ensur-
ing that, in addition to the health coverage options pro-
vided by private insurers, every American has access to 
a public health insurance option, which, when established, 
will— 
(1) strengthen competition; 
(2) improve affordability for families by reduc-
ing premiums and increasing choices; and 
(3) save American taxpayers billions of dollars. 
Æ 
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