George Bush actually said...

"I want to just take this opportunity before the Cabinet to thank him."

"I am confident that this appointment will be well-received by your many friends on both sides of the aisle of the United States Senate, of the Congress, and certainly by the American people."

"Our mission must be to provide stability in aeronautics and space leadership in an ever-changing international environment."

"I am pleased that he has agreed to remain in office through at least the end of July."