“Scandal isn’t slowing down one part of the Republican agenda: The Federal Communications Commission took the first formal step toward dismantling Obama-era net neutrality rules Thursday, kicking off what’s likely to be a bitter and months-long lobbying battle over the future of internet regulation. The commission voted along party lines to begin the process of rolling back the rules, which require internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast to treat all web traffic equally. The telecom industry has criticized the rules as burdensome and unnecessary regulations, but supporters among startups and online tech companies say they ensure ISPs don’t abuse their position as internet gatekeepers to favor some websites over others. The net neutrality order, passed by the FCC’s then-Democratic majority in 2015, represents one of the signature policy achievements of the Obama administration.” More …