what is the method of selection for standing committees in the House of Representatives?

Answer 1

The Committee on Committees selects who goes on what committee. Each party has one. Committees are made up, percentage wise, the same way the House as a whole is made up of (if it is 55% Democrat and 45% Republican, each committee will have approximately 55% Democrats and 45% Republicans, ideally). Selection can be based on many things. Party loyalty, mostly, but also logrolling comes into play. A Member of Congress (MC) can make a deal with another MC to be appointed to a more desirable committee if he or she supports a certain bill. MCs who make efforts to regulate spending and maintenance of the House are also rewarded by being appointed to prestigious committees or even committee leadership.

Answer 2

Political affiliation is the main method of selection for the standing committes. It is all about "whom they know and not what they know".