WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Sunday that a substantial number of U.S. troops will have returned from Iraq within a year and predicted his economic stimulus package will pick up more Republican support.

"We are in a position to start putting more responsibility on the Iraqis and that's good news not only for the troops in the field but their families," Obama said in an interview on NBC.

Asked whether a "substantial" number of troops will be home from Iraq within a year, Obama replied: "Yes."

He also predicted that a massive bill designed to stimulate the slumping U.S. economy will pick up more Republican support before it becomes law. No Republicans voted for the bill when it cleared the House last week.

Obama also said he will release a plan to regulate the financial services industry once the stimulus bill clears Congress.

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