Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) had a “productive meeting” with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon, in which Alabama’s senior senator brought up the need for further disaster relief for the Wiregrass area affected by Hurricane Michael.

Trump agreed to help, according to a tweet by Shelby and confirmation from the senator’s office.

The meeting was centered on discussing Congress’ agenda for the lame-duck session. Shelby chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and is considered one of the most powerful men on Capitol Hill.

On appropriations and additional legislative matters, Shelby noted that the two men “discussed funding the government and other year-end items.” This included the need to fund the remaining 25 percent of the government and secure the border.

He added, “I am optimistic that we will be able to move forward when we get back after the break.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn