Across the country Sunday, thousands of Americans rallied to protest the Republican party’s efforts to roll back the Affordable Care Act.
Democratic leaders led a “day of action” in dozens of cities to show support for the law that’s now facing congressional Republican repeal. Republicans have promised for years to dismantle “Obamacare,” President Obama’s massive health care legislation that has expanded insurance coverage to more than 20 million people.
“There are differences of opinion about the Affordable Care Act — some like it, some don’t like it,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said at a large rally in Warren, Michigan. He was joined by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI). “But very few Americans believe that we should repeal the ACA without a replacement program to make it better.”
“Know we are saying to our Republican colleagues: We will not allow you to throw up to 30 million Americans off of health insurance,” Sanders added.
Congressional Republicans have already started the process of repealing the health care law, with Senate Republicans introducing a budget resolution to repeal the law last week. House Republicans followed suit the following day.
In a weekend interview with the Washington Post, President-elect Donald Trump said that he was ready with a “simplified” health care replacement that would provide “insurance for everybody,” but failed to provide any details.
Here are images from some of Sunday’s #OurFirstStand rallies:
My view today from the #ourfirststand rally in Warren. 10,000 Michiganders rallying to #savehealthcare! Standing with YOU to say #ACAWorks! pic.twitter.com/fx3bYv6mJC
— Dan Kildee (@dankildee) January 15, 2017
All across the country today, Dems are hosting #OurFirstStand rallies to #savehealthcare. Boston is ready to fight back. pic.twitter.com/trBFuajayb
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) January 15, 2017
There are thousands of people at SF City Hall! Consensus is clear: American people demand a #SinglePayer #healthcare system. #OurFirstStand pic.twitter.com/BNbyEANqOV
— RoseAnn DeMoro (@RoseAnnDeMoro) January 15, 2017
"Knowing I have affordable health care is the only thing keeping me going.” —Steve Martin, ACA beneficiary #OurFirstStand pic.twitter.com/yHpzOP0Ww1
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 15, 2017
Massive crowd in Portland rallying in support of #ACA. Hundreds more outside. Fired up! #OurFirstStand pic.twitter.com/Ofv6JWYlnj
— Colin Gibson (@gibsoncn) January 15, 2017
#OurFirstStand rally for healthcare in front of the Trump International Hotel in New York City today pic.twitter.com/p4KecarO8p
— Brooke Pierce (@BPie7) January 15, 2017
Healthcare is a human right! #Nurses in #Tampa know it's time for #Medicare4All #OurFirstStand pic.twitter.com/VnGfz5m5Ep
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 15, 2017
Hot damn it's @MartinOMalley leading a sing a long for #OurFirstStand in #saltlakecity. #SaveACA #utpol pic.twitter.com/nUuRF6A4KX
— David Komatar (@davidkomatar) January 15, 2017
Impassioned speeches from @timkaine @GovernorVA and others to protect ACA! I held back tears when The Senator spoke. #RVA #ACA pic.twitter.com/3BMa8PRu83
— Craig Smith (@CraigSmithVA) January 15, 2017