Several Republicans joined Democrats in voting to overturn the FCC's controversial decision. But the measure has little chance of success in the House.
Republican leaders are working to update their long-promised tax overhaul legislation to satisfy enough senators to allow a vote on the legislation as early as this week.
While Collins would have been a front-runner in a race for governor, her centrist style had turned some Republicans against her and she might have faced a tough primary.
Whether Republicans will try to resurrect health care efforts — again — is uncertain. Republican Sen. John McCain, who cast the decisive no vote, said the bill's defeat is a chance to "start fresh."