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A year ago, congressional Republicans meeting at a private retreat revolted over their leaders ideas for immigration reform.

This year, they're ready to try again.

Republicans wrapped up their meeting at this chocolate-rich company town with rank-and-file lawmakers expressing renewed interest in tackling what many consider a broken immigration system.

What's changed between last year and this?

Republicans acknowledge "we have not handled the issue well," said California Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), who is among those nudging his party to get beyond harsh rhetoric that can be perceived as anti-immigrant.

"It will be important before the 2016 election to actually show that we can accomplish something on immigration, and I'm looking forward to getting that done this year," he said.

During a closed session, more lawmakers spoke about the need to address the immigration issue more than on any other issue during the three-day retreat, said those involved in the private sessions.

Lawmakers added that a sizable number of new members from the freshman class expressed an eagerness to delve into the issue.

At the same time, veteran lawmakers have tired of the tough-on-immigrant stance that the party has been forced into by the most conservative among them.

The American people want to see the legislative branch work again, said Rep. Michael Conway (R-Texas), who teared up Friday while describing a citizenship ceremony he attended for 28 returning military members who had served in Iraq.

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Are Republicans ready to try again on immigration reform?