Listen: Mass. Medical Device Industry Fears National Health Overhaul

National health care reform takes center stage again Wednesday as the Senate works on the reconciliation bill that would amend the legislation President Obama signed into law Tuesday.

Among the provisions set to remain unchanged is the introduction — in three years — of a 2.3 percent excise tax on sales of medical devices.

To consider the possible ramifications in Massachusetts, Tom Sommer, the president of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council, joined WBUR Wednesday. His organization represents hundreds of medical device companies and he says the tax is going to be a difficult burden for the industry.

"We are probably going to see some serious cuts in any kind of growth or expansion plans," Sommer said. "But as important, I think we are going to see some cuts in research and development expenditures. That is the hallmark of the industry in Massachusetts."