JOHNSTON, R.I. (AP) - Hundreds of people have gathered alongside a group of Rhode Island Democrats to protest Republican efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

Among those taking part in Sunday’s rally at the Johnston Senior Center were both of Rhode Island’s U.S. senators, its two U.S. representatives and Gov. Gina Raimondo.

Speakers took turns at a podium defending President Barack Obama’s signature health care law and criticizing efforts to repeal it.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to repeal and replace the law, and the Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday passed a measure taking the first steps to dismantle it.

The rally was one of many being staged across the country in advance of Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

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