What's the difference between being able to invest $1000 and $0? That's not helpful to anybody. If I want to invest $30,000, I have to go find 30 startups? That doesn't make any sense.
If you are an accredited investor (i.e., make over $200,000), current law allows you to invest any amount you like. If you are not an accredited investor, you likely can't afford to invest $30,000... so the thinking goes in Congress.