The Senate passed legislation Wednesday to provide $4.3 billion over five years for health coverage for responders to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The bill will provide medical treatment for those responders who have developed health problems as a result of toxic dust inhaled at the World Trade Center site in the days following the attacks.

The bill was a point of contention because some conservative Republicans were concerned about its costs.

The measure passed unanimously after New York Democratic Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand agreed to reduce the amount of the aid package -- they originally sought $7.4 billion over eight years.

"The Christmas miracle we've been looking for has arrived," the two senators said in a joint statement.

"Over the last 24 hours, our Republican colleagues have negotiated in good faith to forge a workable final package that will protect the health of the men and women who selflessly answered our nation's call in her hour of greatest need," the senators said. "This has been a long process, but we are now on the cusp of the victory these heroes deserve."

The James Zadroga 9/11 health bill was named after a New York detective who worked at the 9/11 site for about three weeks following the attacks. He began experiencing respiratory problems and passed away in 2006, according to Reuters.

The bill is expected to quickly pass in the House before heading to President Obama's desk.

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