Ben Affleck in Washington DC | Pictures

Ben Affleck appeared in Washington DC today to testify in front of the House Armed Services Committee. He later met up with Sen. John Kerry and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Ben's shining his star status on the humanitarian efforts taking place in the Congo and is pushing for increased support from the US in the region. Coincidentally, Ben's name's been swirling in political circles with rumors suggesting he could be among the contenders in the race to fill Senator John Kerry's seat, should it open up in the near future.

Ben's wrapping up a busy year during which he starred in and directed Argo, and we'll soon find out if he can add another Oscar nomination to his résumé when Academy Award nominations are announced Jan. 10. Ben dropped out of Focus with Kristen Stewart, but he's already lining up more projects for the New Year, including the Terrence Malick film To the Wonder — watch the new To the Wonder trailer. First, though, Ben will celebrate a very special holiday season, as he and his family prep to celebrate Samuel's first Christmas.