A Senate leadership shakeup is set to boost Hawaii's influence in Washington, which is good news for the state's federal funding prospects.

• Senator Brian Schatz says a Democratic reshuffle on the Senate Appropriations Committee puts his close ally in the chair's seat, giving Hawaii more pull over spending decisions.
• Appropriations bills still have to be written on a bipartisan basis, but having a friendly chair means Hawaii's priorities get more attention when funding is decided.
• Democratic control of the Senate also puts Schatz in position to potentially become the next majority whip, a top leadership role, as the current whip is retiring.
• Schatz is widely seen as the likely next in line for that post, which would further raise Hawaii's profile in the chamber.

Outlook: If the leadership moves play out as expected, Hawaii could end up with outsized influence in the Senate relative to its size.