The Senate is considering a bill that would prohibit the federal government from restricting the sale and use of experimental, unapproved drugs for fatal illnesses.

Known as a right-to-try law, similar bills have been passed in 31 states that allow terminally ill patients earlier access to drugs in clinical trials.

An FDA official testified before a Senate panel on the agency’s expanded access programs. Representatives from state governments that have considered such laws, as well as patient advocates and the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, also testified.