George Bush actually said...

"I salute the contribution which all of them have made to this tremendous success in removing the Ethiopian Jews from harm's way and reuniting them with their loved ones in Israel."

"I also salute your efforts to bring peace and democracy to that country, to Ethiopia."

"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."