WASHINGTON — Technically it’s called a “recoupment” but U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is going with “clawback” to describe what the government has demanded of 255 households that received federal money after Colorado’s 2013 floods.

In letters mailed as early as November 2013, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has insisted that these residents repay some or all of the recovery aid they received — or else face fines that, long-term, could cost hundreds of dollars.

On average, FEMA is seeking about $3,800 in repayments from the 255 households, according to figures released by the agency.

FEMA officials said the letters are justified and that they represent an honest effort by the agency to ensure tax dollars aren’t wasted on victims who don’t deserve the money.

But the FEMA requests have touched a nerve among Colorado lawmakers, several of whom filed legislation this week to push back against the agency and its policy of recoupment.

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