Aid Voted For Vets, Reservists Congress has voted final approval of legislation aimed at expanding business opportunities for veterans and helping military reservists keep their businesses afloat when they are called to active duty. The bill would allow self-employed reservists to apply for SBA loans before they are deployed. It would increase to $2 million the maximum amount of loans available to business owners who suffer economic losses while on active duty, and extend the deadline for applying for those loans. SBA would also be authorized to make loans of up to $50,000 for reservists without requiring collateral. The legislation also includes measures designed to help veterans start new businesses. The Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act, H.R. 4253, was passed unanimously by the Senate and 406-2 by the House, and sent to President Bush. It was sponsored by Rep. Jason Altmire, D-PA, and Senators John Kerry, D-MA, and Olympia Snowe, R-ME. “Helping our veterans successfully pursue entrepreneurial opportunities at home is both the right thing to do and a smart move that will help boost our economy,” Rep. Altmire said in a statement.