…After all that drama back in July, this was a breeze. The vote: 268 to 160. Seventeen Republicans supported the measure; three Democrats voted against it.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the passage “long overdue.”

The measure was introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who was taken to task by the DN (a big champion of the bill) when it endorsed her unsuccessful primary challenger, Reshma Saujani, for not pushing harder to get the Obama administration on board.

The president did eventually announce support for Zadroga, after front-page prodding by the DN, which chided Obama for weighing in on the Park51 mosque/Islamic center project (oh, yeah; remember that?) and failing to do the same for the health and compensation Act.

UPDATE: Four House members who sponsored the bill have released a joint statement. Their quotes appear in full after the jump. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has also released a statement, commending the House for passing the bill and saying she’ll work with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring it up for a vote.

From Maloney:

“To the living victims of 9/11, we have good news: help is on the way. Today, the House answered the emergency calls of thousands of ailing 9/11 first responders and survivors. Our bill provides proper care to those who lost their health because of the 9/11 attacks and demonstrates that we will not abandon those who come to aid of our nation in times of crisis. ”

“I thank my good friends Jerry Nadler and Peter King, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, and all our colleagues in the New York delegation for meeting America’s moral responsibility to care for those who were harmed by the attacks on our nation.”

From Nadler:

“Today, Members of the House put aside politics and made history by voting in favor of justice and care for the first responders and survivors of 9/11.”

“I’m so proud of this victory and moved by the prospect of finally, after nine long years, delivering what thousands of ailing Americans have been waiting for. I want to thank the House Leadership for its genuine support and Congresswoman Maloney for her steady stewardship over the years.”

From King:

“The passage of H.R. 847 is a victory for the victims of 9/11 and brings us closer to providing police officers, firefighters and construction workers the treatment they need. This measure is long overdue and I will continue to fight to make sure it passes the Senate.”

From Rep. Mike McMahon:

“Finally, after 9 years our heroes will be able to get the health care they desperately need, but more importantly, that they deserve.”

“Just as it is important to protect against further terrorist attacks, it is equally important that we ensure the men and women who come to our aid – whether on this soil or overseas – get adequate medical treatment.”

“We can never again wait 9 years to provide those services. I applaud each Member of the House who voted for this bill for finally standing up and saying clearly to our first responders – now it is our turn to help you.”

From Gillibrand:

“I commend my colleagues in the House for their hard work in passing this historic legislation for our 9/11 heroes.”

“I’m working closely with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate. I know the Majority Leader fully supports our legislation, and I am pushing strongly for the Senate to take up this bill during the next work period.”

“This should not be a partisan issue. We have an undeniable, moral obligation to pass this legislation and provide care to the thousands of heroes and survivors who are suffering, dying, and waiting for us to deliver the care they need. It’s time to seize every opportunity, pass this legislation, and keep our promise to the heroes of this country who came to our rescue on 9/11.”

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