The initial impetus for DNA sequencing and something of kin to sequencing the human genome came out of the DOE, not NIH. Their interest was in understanding the impact of radioactive damage on chromosomes.

Michael Hunkapiller By David Zierler, Director of the Caltech Heritage Project November 10, 2021

https://heritageproject.caltech.edu/interviews-updates/michael-hunkapiller

youtube.com/watch?v=7l41zCX9ulk