Ben Affleck Took The Stand At A U.s. Senate Committee Hearing On Thursday (26mar15) To Discuss The Importance Of Non-military U.s. Aid To Africa.
The Argo star made his fourth appearance in front of the Senate in Washington, D.C., speaking on behalf of his organisation, the Eastern Congo Initiative, a grant-making and advocacy group that works to create economic and social development in the war-torn region.
Affleck, who was supported by his wife Jennifer Garner and their oldest daughter Violet during the Diplomacy and National Security hearing, appeared as a witness to the positive results of the more than $50 billion the U.S. government currently budgets for overseas poverty and hunger relief annually.
While some lawmakers are eager to decrease the funds, Affleck insisted the aid from the government - of which some benefits his own initiative - has already made an impact on thousands of citizens living in rural Eastern Congo, while he also highlighted the importance of rebuilding the region's coffee industry, which was once among the world's largest.
Affleck explained that through his Eastern Congo Initiative, he and his partners have forged a new partnership with Starbucks bosses, who will purchase 40 tons of coffee from the area, in a bid to boost farming incomes.
The Oscar winner told the committee members, "That's a clear testament to what's possible for Congo. This isn't charity or aid in the traditional sense. It's good business."
He added that any plan to cut aid would be "counterproductive" and would revive a "history of mistrust and disappointment" among Africans regarding promises of good will and assistance from other nations around the world.
Prior to his testimony, Affleck attempted to lighten proceedings by referencing his upcoming role as the Caped Crusader in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, as he turned to Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and said, "I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my co-star in Batman. The role is marginally smaller than mine, but I understand that you are quite good."
Leahy, a well-known Batman fanatic, has a small role in the 2016 film.
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