Senator Ted Cruz was caught checking his phone for Twitter mentions by a photo journalist after a confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson on Wednesday.
Mr Cruz had quizzed the federal judge about her views on issues of race and crime and why she handed down lighter sentences in cases he displayed on a chart.
He was in the middle of asking more questions when Mr Durbin interjected, saying the senator’s 20-minute time had expired.
“You can bang it as long as you want,” Mr Cruz shot back at the chairman.
“I just want you to play by the rules,” Mr Durbin told the Republican senator as the heated tirade continued.
Ted Cruz is seen checking his phone during Wednesday’s Supreme Court hearing (AFP via Getty Images).
Several commentators attacked Mr Cruz on social media after the hearing. »