Inspector General Krongard testified about accusations of insufficient oversight and interference with State Department investigations for political reasons. In a contentious hearing, the inspector general denied the accusations, including a $144 million cost overrun on the construction of the new Baghdad embassy. He testified that his brother had no connection with the Blackwater Security Firm, but later in his testimony said that his brother Alvin Krongard served on Blackwater’s advisory board. He then removed himself from any future investigations of Blackwater Worldwide.