The Federal Reserve promised in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic that it could stimulate job growth. While unemployment claims are dropping, there are still jobs missing from the economy. Inflation jumped in the spring, and there is debate surrounding how the Fed can address both issues. Fed officials believe inflation may be worse than previously thought, triggering action that could slow the economy. At the same time, some experts believe the economy cannot recover to pre-pandemic workforce levels irrespective of what the Fed does.