Philip Kahn-Pauli (he, him, his) is CSPI's Director of Legislative Affairs. He serves as CSPI’s lead lobbyist and develops strategic policy objectives. He also leads and oversees legislative, advocacy, and outreach activities to achieve CSPI’s federal campaign goals on a variety of issues. 

Prior experience

Philip brings to CSPI strong advocacy and policy experience having served as the policy and practices director for RespectAbility (now known as Disability Belongs), a national nonprofit dedicated to improving employment opportunities, civil rights protections, and disability rights issues. One of his key achievements was to help organize an advocacy campaign to expand safe access to online grocery delivery for SNAP recipients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Philip led efforts to get 46 states to seek a federal waiver and allow people to use their benefits safely. Most recently, Philip served as an EEO and civil rights subject matter expert for a federal contract under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defense. Philip earned an MA in Philosophy and Social Policy from George Washington University, and a BA in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Denver. As an undergrad, Philip spent a year reading Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Blackfriars Halls, Oxford University.

Joined CSPI

Philip joined CSPI in April 2024.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Anthony Bourdain once said, "There's Nothing More Political Than Food."As someone who grew up in a food insecure household, I understand the consequences of policy decisions made in Washington.  CSPI works at the intersection of food, nutrition, public health, and health equity issues. I am proud and excited to support our team in our transformational public health/consumer advocacy mission.