PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Senators from Maine and Maryland want the federal government to extend the shelf life of prescription drugs that are in short supply to try to help address shortages.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin introduced the bill, which would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make the change.

The senators say amending expiration dates of some drugs could help alleviate shortages according to the FDA.

They say the proposal would update FDA guidance about stability testing that is tied to expiration dates.