Markets are closely watching the debate over the central bank's next interest rate decision. Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images Close Key Takeaways The Fed's dual mandate from Congress requires it to keep inflation low and employment high; officials are sharply divided about whether high inflation or the threat of mass layoffs poses the bigger threat to the economy right now. The 43-day government shutdown that ended last week delayed or cancelled much of the data Fed officials need to make that decisi ...