Three of the nation's largest business groups are asking Congress to accept the results of last year's presidential election and reject an attempt by some Republican lawmakers to cast doubt on the electoral process.

At least 11 GOP senators and senators-elect plan to challenge electors from states that President-elect Joe Biden won, according to the Washington Post. Spurred on by President Donald Trump's false claims of widespread election fraud, the lawmakers intend to ask for an audit of the recent election when the Senate formally counts the electoral votes on Wednesday.

More than 200 business leaders also urged Congress on Monday to reject the attempt, writing in a letter that "attempts to thwart or delay this process run counter to the essential tenets of our democracy." That argument was echoed in separate statements issued by Business Roundtable, the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"With claims of electoral fraud having been fully considered and rejected by federal and state courts and state government officials, the integrity of the 2020 presidential election is not in doubt," BRT said. "There is no authority for Congress to reject or overturn electoral votes lawfully certified by the states and affirmed by the Electoral College. The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy and should proceed unimpeded."

NAM CEO Jay Timmons said Biden "is our next president, and Congress must heed the voice of the American people."

"In every election, many Americans are disappointed by the results," Timmons said. "But disappointment does not justify harming our democracy or undermining faith in our elections based on unproven charges and conspiracy theories."

Chamber CEO Tom Donohue noted that more than 50 court challenges to the election results were "heard, adjudicated and resolved." The U.S. is currently facing enormous challenges that require an orderly transition and bipartisan cooperation, he added.

"In the coming days, thousands of Americans are expected to gather to voice their views," he said. "This is a fundamental right and we urge respect for all those who exercise their constitutional rights."

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Society for News Design head dies from COVID complications
• Stimulus bill would make PPP loans available to many 501(c)(6) organizations
• Report: Americans for the Arts CEO under fire for work environment
• Coalition announces roadmap for prioritizing mental health care
• NAM CEO urges public to think of others after father dies from COVID-19