Embassy builder sues State Department for $461M

An Alabama-based firm, BL Harbert International, is taking the State Department to court for $461 million, claiming it didn't cover unexpected costs during the pandemic on embassy projects. The company says it had an agreement with the government until political appointees, including those under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, intervened. This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between contractors and government agencies over pandemic-related budget overruns and raises questions about the role of political appointees in contract negotiations.