PHILADELPHIA — After a turbulent start to House Democrats’ retreat in Philadelphia, top lawmakers voiced a sense of optimism that the party is more unified and ready to fight to keep the majority on the final day of the conference.

While the first scheduled day of the retreat was canceled due to a divide within the party over a pandemic-relief-related provision in a massive spending bill that delayed votes on the must-pass legislation until late Wednesday evening, lawmakers said despite initial skepticism over whether the event could get back on track, they were able to reset and engage in productive conversations on strategy.