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The Senate has approved an extra $107 million in funding for federal small-business programs overseen by the Small Business Administration.

A bill passed late last week by the Senate Appropriations Committee boosts funding for some of the agency's core programs by as much as 50%, including more resources for women, veterans and native Americans.

New funding will also be provided for a microloan program that was cut out of the agency's budget.

Since 2001, the SBA's operating budget has been reduced by over 30 percent.