Roundtable healthcare report angers GOP

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A report by the Business Roundtable suggesting Democratic plans for U.S. healthcare reform could cut costs has angered Republicans.

The roundtable, which includes the CEOs of more than 50 large companies, was organized to lobby for pro-business policies. President Obama touted the report Thursday, saying researchers found Democratic legislation would cut costs for business by $3,000 a year for each worker, The Hill said.

The report did not endorse specific proposals but said that parts of the Democratic proposals would bring down the "trend line" of ever-rising healthcare costs.

"We estimate that if enacted properly, the right legislative reforms could potentially reduce that trend line by more than $3,000 per employee, to $25,435," the report stated.

Two weeks ago, Republicans criticized the roundtable for not being more aggressive in opposing healthcare reform. The report added new fuel.

"The Business Roundtable really should've learned from Bob Dole, Bill Frist and Tommy Thompson that the mere mention of support for any aspect of health reform will be misconstrued by this administration to mean they're on board with a trillion-dollar government takeover," a senior Senate aide told The Hill.