Pataki: Rand Paul Wrong, Ending Patriot Act Puts US at Risk

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul's plan to use a filibuster-like tactic again on Sunday to quash renewal of the Patriot Act puts America at risk of terror attacks, former New York Gov. George Pataki said Sunday.

Paul and Pataki both are running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, but have very different views on renewal of the law that was enacted the month after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"It's totally wrong that a filibuster would be used to create this void in our security at a time when we are at risk," Pataki said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union"  "We are at as great a risk today as we have been at anytime since September 11th of another terrorists attack."

Paul is wrong in his effort, Pataki said, adding, "I don't understand why if it's going to happen on Wednesday or Thursday he doesn't allow it to happen today. It is simply putting Americans at risk for a political reason."

Pataki said that while he favors helping the Iraqis eradicate the Islamic State (ISIS), he understands the fears of military families. He has two sons who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I know what it's like to lie awake as a parent worrying about your child," he said. "I don't want us to put one young person in harm's way unless it's absolutely necessary, but I saw September 11th and I know ISIS wants to do it again, anywhere here in America. We cannot let that happen."

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