How do they decide which committee a US Senator or Representative serves on?

Question

Does the senator or represenative chose for themselves or does the senior leadership decide or what?

Answer 1

The new Senators and Represenatives ask to be on certain committees.

Usually committees that have something to do with their state.

The leadership, then fills the committees based on seniority.

So some times you get what you want, some times you have to wait untill someone retires or doesn't get reelected.

But since each members is on several committees, you will get atleast one you want.

Answer 2

They all take a vote on who serves on the committee.