Ben Affleck Testifies Before the Senate & an Adoring Jennifer Garner and Violet
It's safe to say Ben Affleck is making his family proud.
Ben testified before the Senate on Thursday as the founder of the Eastern Congo Initiative -- a nonprofit organization that works for development grants and international advocacy for the Democratic Republic of Congo -- when the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs held a hearing on diplomacy and national security.
The 42-year-old Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice actor was in good company, seated by Microsoft founder and noted fellow philanthropist Bill Gates, and even managed to drop a Batman reference to break the ice.
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"I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my costar in Batman," he joked, calling out Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, who's a well-known Batman fanatic and even has cameos in previous Batman films The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. "The role is marginally smaller than mine, but I understand that you are quite good."
Ben's beloved wife, Jennifer Garner, and his 9-year-old daughter Violet were on hand to support him in Washington, D.C., and it's clear the two were just as enamored with the charismatic actor as the rest of us.
And how adorable yet poised does Ben and Jen's eldest child look, sporting a navy blue dress and a purse?!
According to The Hill, Ben's family was even given a shout-out following his testimony. Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham reportedly remarked, "Jennifer and Violet are very proud. Well done," to which the Academy Award winner turned around in his seat and smiled at the two.
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Were Jen and Ben always this in love?
It would appear so, as before they even dated, Ben and Jen appeared together on the IFC series Dinner For Five, where their chemistry was pretty much undeniable. Check out the clip below to witness their thinly veiled feelings for one another in the early stages.