After spending the past two decades together — and raising three children in the interim — there’s only one thing left for Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and his longtime partner, Randy Florke, to do: make everything official.

The New York Democrat formally announced his engagement to Florke late Monday night, ushering forth a new chapter in their closely intertwined life stories.

“After 21 years together, we are excited for the next step in our journey as a family,” Maloney and Florke declared in a joint statement. “For decades, we’ve fought to ensure that all families can experience the joys of loving commitment and we are proud to have our friends and family share this special moment with us in the near future.”

New York adopted a law allowing same-sex unions in 2011.

According to various media reports, Florke popped the question on Christmas Day. A Maloney aide said the pair is still ironing out the specifics (“No date or location announced yet,” Team Maloney assured HOH), but congressional colleagues are already champing at the bit for details.

Congratulations @RepSeanMaloney and @RandyFlorke, can’t wait to hear about the wedding plans! xoxo

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) January 14, 2014