Congress is about to go to war with itself over network neutrality. These are the stakes.

Expect a flurry of moves and countermoves aimed at preemption of new Federal Communications Commission rules on network neutrality.

Republicans are expected to unveil legislation to get ahead of the FCC's proposal, which the agency confirmed will drop in February. A Republican bill would likely give the FCC clearer, explicit authority to regulate net neutrality -- something that Democrats might like -- but, crucially, prohibit the agency from using its strongest legal tool, known as Title II of the Communications Act. Top Republicans have their own challenges ahead, however. Some of the party's most conservative members are opposed to any net neutrality rules, including through legislation -- making it that much more important to get some Democratic support. And even if the GOP manages to pass a bill, it still must overcome a potential presidential veto.