The Minnesota House has turned to talk of pineapples and cigars instead of state regulations and the budget deficit.

House members have approved a resolution urging Congress to normalize relations with Cuba.

The debate featured pictures and recollections of Cuban trade missions and a greeting from former Minnesota Twins star Tony Oliva, who is from the Caribbean island. Cuba has been under a U.S. embargo since the 1960s.

Rep. Al Juhnke says the lifting of trade and travel restrictions could bring Cuban pineapples and coconuts to Minnesota and open a new market for soybeans, corn and even Spam.

Dissent came from Rep. Joe Hoppe, who says the focus should be on free trade with Colombia, not Cuba.

The resolution passed 86-9. Representatives aren't required to vote on resolutions, and a few dozen declined to do so.