US presidential wannabe Rand Paul (R-KY) has filed a motion under the Congressional Review Act that could block the introduction of the Democrat-driven net neutrality rules.

The joint resolution means both houses of Congress are highly likely to vote on a straight majority basis to reject the broadband regulations, drawn up by US watchdog the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within the next 30 days. Democratic Party members in the Senate can't filibuster the vote, thanks to the motion put forward.

"This regulation by the FCC is a textbook example of Washington's desire to regulate anything and everything and will do nothing more than wrap the internet in red-tape," said Senator Paul in a statement.

"The internet has successfully flourished without the heavy hand of government interference. Stated simply, I do not want to see the government regulating the Internet."

Given the Republicans have a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the joint resolution should get enough votes to pass in both houses. If so, President Obama can veto the motion, which would be impossible to overrule unless two thirds of both chambers vote to do so.

Given his public pronouncements on net neutrality it's highly likely Obama will exercise his veto, and it's very unlikely a two-thirds vote in both houses can be mustered to overturn that veto. So what then is the point of all this?

Well, presidential campaigning has begun, and Paul wants his name associated with the anti-net neutrality camp to boost his credibility in the anti-regulation area, and to bring in some of that sweet campaign finance from telcos. Getting some headlines won’t hurt either. [My God, what have we done? – ed.]. ®