The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Economics to an MIT professor is spurring calls for his confirmation to the Federal Reserve Board. Peter Diamond and two others were honored for their studies on unemployment and job markets. Republican Senator Richard Shelby has blocked Diamond’s nomination to the Federal Reserve for months, claiming he doesn’t think Diamond is qualified. On Monday, Diamond welcomed the news of his Nobel win.

Peter Diamond: “It kind of takes your breath away. It’s just you suddenly realize not only is it the moment, but also there are all sorts of changes in your life, opportunities opening up, all sorts of things that are going to be different. And so, you kind of hold your breath for a little while.”